Needle Stick and Sharp Injuries among House-Keeping Workers:A Case Study of a City Hospital

Needle stick and sharp injuries (NSSI) among Health Care have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality. Preventing NSSI is an essential part and every healthcare facility should have an infection control program in work place. A two months descriptive study was conducted in city hospital, Chandigarh to evaluate NSSI among Housekeeping Workers (HkW) specifically to determine the occurrence of NSSI, circumstances under which NSSI occur and measures to prevent NSSIs. Out of 434 HkW, 244 were identified at risk of NSSI. The self structured questionnaire were administered to participants to assess awareness and importance of handling BMW, education and training of BMW handling, causes of injuries etc. 93.0% (214) of HkW had knowledge of segregation, categorization and significance of color coding, 96.5% (222) were well aware of the efforts taken by the hospital authorities in the BMW management. No HkW has ever been imparted training regarding BMW management and all came to know while working in the hospital only. After NSSI exposure 32% (74) of HkW responded immediately, 10 per cent took action later on the same day while the rest did not take any action. When asked about factors for NSSI, 94% (214) responded that they themselves were responsible. NSSIs are observed in all categories of Healthcare workers (HCW) and there is a scope for improvement in safety protocols. Preventive strategies have to be devised and reporting must be made mandatory. Such programs and innovations are necessary for all HCW safety and security.