The Needlesticks and Sharps Safety course is designed to educate healthcare workers and support staff on the risks associated with needlestick and sharps injuries, while providing essential knowledge and practical strategies for prevention, management, and post-exposure protocols. The course will cover key safety guidelines, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling and disposal of sharps, and the correct procedures to follow if an injury occurs. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the skills to minimize the risk of sharps injuries and respond effectively to any incidents, safeguarding both themselves and their patients. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the Risks of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries Identify the potential dangers associated with sharps, including the risk of bloodborne infections (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C). Understand the key statistics and impact of sharps injuries in healthcare settings. Recognize the environmental and occupational factors contributing to sharps injuries. Legal and Regulatory Framework Learn about the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. Review the Needlestick Injury Guidelines from regulatory bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and NHS Trusts. Understand employer and employee responsibilities regarding sharps safety. Best Practices for Sharps Handling and Disposal Safe use, handling, and disposal of sharps to reduce the risk of injury. Proper disposal techniques: correct sharps containers, secure closure, and safe disposal methods. Identifying hazardous sharps and understanding when extra caution is required. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Sharps Safety Overview of PPE required to protect healthcare workers from sharps injuries. Correct use of gloves, gowns, and other protective barriers to minimize exposure. Training on selecting the appropriate PPE based on the task and level of risk. Safe Needle and Sharps Disposal Systems Introduction to engineered safety devices, such as safety needles, retractable needles, and sharps containers with lids. How to maintain, inspect, and manage sharps disposal systems. The importance of sharps waste management and proper labeling in preventing injury. Preventing Needlestick and Sharps Injuries Implementing safety protocols and workplace practices to minimize the risk of sharps injuries. Understanding and following protocols during patient care, procedures, and clinical settings. Use of safer needle devices and technologies to eliminate or reduce risk. Staff training and awareness programs for safer sharps handling. What to Do After a Needlestick or Sharps Injury Immediate response to a needlestick or sharps injury: cleaning, first aid, and reporting. Procedures for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up care, including bloodborne virus screening. Documentation and reporting requirements for needlestick and sharps injuries in healthcare settings. Accessing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential infection risk. Psychological and Emotional Support Addressing the psychological impact of sharps injuries on healthcare workers. Providing support and counseling for staff who experience needlestick or sharps injuries. How to foster a culture of safety and open communication within healthcare teams. Training and Education for Staff The importance of continuous education and training on sharps safety. Strategies for creating a culture of safety that emphasizes the importance of sharps injury prevention. Review of sharps safety policies, safety drills, and mock scenarios for injury management. Case Studies and Practical Scenarios Review of real-life case studies to illustrate common sharps injury scenarios and effective responses. Interactive exercises that simulate handling sharps safely and managing exposure incidents. Group discussions on lessons learned and ways to improve safety practices.