International Healthcare Worker Safety Center
Global Initiative for Healthcare Worker Safety
A forum for sharing research and best practices worldwide in the prevention of needlesticks and occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens
Defining the problem...
Healthcare workers are a critical resource in every corner of the globe -- the infrastructure without which healthcare cannot exist. But in caring for us, they place themselves at risk daily of contracting life-threatening infections from bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Injuries from needles and other sharp medical devices, along with accidental exposures to blood and body fluids from splashes and sprays, are the most serious occupational hazard faced by healthcare workers. (read more)
...and the solution.
Who should use this site?Devices with engineered sharps injury protection are highly effective in reducing the risk of needlesticks and sharps injuries. We know that a combination of safer devices, hepatitis B vaccine and basic barrier garments save lives. The challenge is to get protective devices and products into the hands of healthcare workers who need them most--in every corner of the globe.
- Occupational health and infection
control practitioners looking for
training and educational resources in needlestick prevention and
sharps safety
- Researchers looking for the latest articles and
abstracts related to occupational
exposure prevention
- Hospital and healthcare administrators
looking for information about EPINet,
a sharps injury surveillance program
- EPINet users worldwide who want to share
data and
ask technical questions
- Medical device manufacturers looking to improve their products and participate in the global strategy for healthcare worker protection
We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions for additions to this website. To submit a comment, please click here.
To learn more about the Center's Global Initiative for Healthcare Worker Safety and how you can participate, click here.
