Risk analysis of needle stick and sharp object injuries among health care workers in a tertiary care hospital (Saudi Arabia)

Objective: To study different risk factors associated with needle stick injury among health care workers of a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methodology: Retrospective study involving all reported cases of needle stick and sharp object injury among health care workers through using Epinet™ access U.K. version 1.3 program in King Saud Medical City (KSMC) during the period (January 2007-December 2011). Results: During the study period, 477 needle stick and sharp object injuries were reported with peak incidence (13.84%) during 2009. Distribution of needle stick and sharp object injuries according to the location of their occurrence clarified that patient room/ward was the most common place of occurrence of NSSIs 150/477, followed by emergency department 82/477, then the intensive and critical care units 70/477. The study presented that nurses were encountered as the most affected job category and use of items is the most common activity associated with the incidents. Most of the incidents were caused by needles with disposable needle and hands were the most affected body parts. Conclusion: Needle stick and sharp object injuries represent a major occupational challenge to health care workers. Prevention should be based on different working lines including immunization, education of health care workers and proper engineering control measures. © 2013 Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.