Sharps Injury Log

The most common cause of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the workplace, by far, is percutaneous injury, meaning a needlestick or cut to the skin with a sharp object. As a result, employers must keep track of all such injuries in a sharps injury log. Logging this information can help employers and outside health organizations determine which types of equipment and work practices are the least safe, and make improvements in technology and work methods accordingly. This log must include the following information:

• The date and time of the exposure incident
• The type and brand of sharp object involved
• The job classification of the exposed employee
• The department or work area where the incident happened
• The procedure that the employee was performing when the incident happened
• How the incident happened
• The body part that was cut or pricked

For each exposure incident involving a needle or other sharp object, the log must state whether the object had any sharps injury protection mechanism. If so, the log must state whether the protection device was activated and whether the injury occurred before, during, or after activation.

If the object or equipment did not have any sharps injury prevention mechanism, the log must state the employee's opinion on whether and how sharps injury protection could have prevented this injury. For example, if the employee was poked by an intravenous (IV) device that did not have a retractable needle, he or she may suggest that a retractable needle would make this type of equipment safer. Employees must also give their opinion on any other ways the injury could have been prevented.

Exposure incidents must be recorded within two weeks and must protect the employee's confidentiality.

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