CDC Seeks to End Needle Stick Injuries

Infections caused by transmission through needle-stick injuries have plagued work comp systems for decades. Today the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has launched a public relations effort to prevent needle stick injuries.

Sharps injuries are a significant injury and health hazard for health care workers and also result in a number of direct and indirect organizational costs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 385,000 sharps-related injuries occur annually among health care workers. More recent estimates from The Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet™) indicate this number may have been increasing steadily during the past nine years. It is estimated about one third of these injuries go unreported. Most reported sharps injuries involve nursing staff, but laboratory staff, physicians, housekeepers, and other health care workers are also injured.

Workers' Compensation benefits include temporary, medical and permanent disability awards. On many occasions, medical monitoring is ordered by the Court for the duration of the life of the injured workers. If the infections results in a fatality, then the employer may be responsible for dependency benefits payable to to surviving dependents.

For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.

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