Sharps Safety and OSHA Compliance: Staying on the Right Side of the Law
Despite legislation, regulation and stepped-up oversight and education campaigns by public and private sectors, needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries persist, although with variance in the rates depending on the healthcare setting. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard outlines what employers must do to protect workers who are occupationally exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), and on Nov. 6, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed into law the bloodborne pathogens standard (BBP) by way of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.
IDEA in Action: A Strategic Approach to Contamination Control
January 14th 2025Adopting IDEA—identify, define, explain, apply—streamlines contamination control. Infection control professionals can mitigate risks through prevention, intervention, and training, ensuring safer health care environments and reducing frequent contamination challenges.
Balancing Freedom and Safety: When Public Health Mandates Are Necessary
January 9th 2025Public health mandates, such as lockdowns, masking, and vaccination, balance liberty and safety, ensuring critical protections during pandemics like COVID-19 while fostering long-term survival through science.
Long-Term Chronicles: Infection Surveillance Guidance in Long-Term Care Facilities
January 8th 2025Antibiotic stewardship in long-term care facilities relies on McGeer and Loeb criteria to guide infection surveillance and appropriate prescribing, ensuring better outcomes for residents and reducing resistance.
Considering Avian Flu: World Health Organization Expert Warns Against Raw Milk
January 6th 2025Drinking raw milk poses risks of disease transmission, especially with H5N1 outbreaks. Expert Richard J. Webby, PhD, advises against raw cow or goat milk consumption due to its unpredictable and significant risks.
