What did the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act require employers to implement to minimize exposure to contaminated sharps?

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act specifically emphasizes the need for engineering controls to minimize the risk of exposure to contaminated sharps. Engineering controls refer to the design and use of devices that isolate or remove the hazard of needlesticks and other sharps injuries. These controls include devices such as safety needles, self-sheathing needles, and sharps disposal containers that are specifically engineered to reduce the chances of accidental needle sticks and exposures to bloodborne pathogens.

In the context of healthcare settings, implementing engineering controls is critical because they provide a proactive approach to addressing the risk of exposure before it occurs, rather than relying solely on personal practices or behavioral changes. This aligns directly with OSHA’s goal of improving workplace safety and health standards related to exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The act thus mandates employers to identify, evaluate, and implement these effective safety devices and approaches as part of their protocols for handling sharps.