Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2013 Sep;34(9):935-9. Doi: 10.1086/671733. Epub 2013 Jul 31

Issues in understanding the impact of the needlestick safety and prevention act on hospital sharps injuries.

Phillips EK, Conaway M, Parker G, Perry J, Jagger J.

A study carried out by the Infective Disease Division of the University of Virginia analysed the issues in understanding the impact of needlestick safety and prevention legislation on sharps injuries in healthcare workers. Data from 85 hospitals, dating from 1995 to 2005, were analysed. It turned out that a precipitous drop in injury rates, greater than one-third, occurred in 2001, immediately following the legislation. The decrease was sustained through 2005. The authors estimated annual reductions of more than 100,000 sharps injuries at a cost savings of $69-$415 million. The study suggests an association between the increase in safety-engineered devices and the reduction in overall injury rates. The decreases observed translate into significant reductions in injuries and associated costs.