Infectious risk for healthcare workers: evaluation and prevention

Exposure to pathogenic agents is a major occupational risk factor in healthcare facilities. The most common pathogenic agents are human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Italy, about 70-80% of all cases of exposure to biological agents result from injuries caused by needles or other sharp instruments used during healthcare procedures. These accidents place a high economic burden on healthcare facilities. Indeed, each event is estimated to cost around € 375. Various studies have shown that the adoption of needlestick-prevention devices reduces occupational exposure to biological risk. At regulatory level, Italian Legislative Decrees 81/08 and 19/14 provide for measures to protect healthcare professionals from biological exposure to pathogenic agents.