Reported Injuries from Sharp Objects among Healthcare Workers in Central Greece

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Medical Safety

Background:

• Sharp injuries (SIs) pose a significant occupational hazard for healthcare professionals globally.
• These injuries, caused by medical instruments, are a major cause of work-related harm in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the incidence and characteristics of sharp injuries (SIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Central Greece.
• To identify factors associated with SI occurrence and reporting behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing a modified EPINet questionnaire administered via an online survey.
• Snowball sampling was employed to reach a wider population of healthcare workers in Central Greece.
• Data were collected through self-reported answers on a Google form.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of SIs was observed, with 74.1% of participants reporting at least one injury.
• Nursing staff experienced the highest incidence (65.1%), with most injuries occurring during morning shifts (62.3%).
• Hands were the most frequently injured body part (96%), and a significant proportion of workers (69.6%) did not report their injuries, with 53% not following established safety procedures.

Conclusions:

• Sharp injuries represent a critical vulnerability for healthcare workers, termed the "Achilles heel."
• The high incidence and low reporting rates underscore an urgent need for enhanced, specialized training and education programs.
• Factors such as age, work experience, and shift patterns significantly influence the likelihood of sustaining sharp injuries.