Here in the U.S.
With the cost of testing and treatment for needlestick injuries now averaging $1,000 per incident, accidental needlesticks promise to drain upwards of a billion dollars this year from an already struggling health care system. Even more troubling, these figures do not take into account the cost of litigation, OSHA violations, or the burden of long-term care—which can be as high as $600,000 for a single hepatitis infection.
But it’s not all bad news. CDC research shows up to 82% of sharps injuries are preventable, and OSHA maintains the consistent and correct use of personal protective equipment and other safety procedures will reduce injury rates.
Around the World
Europe, Canada and other developed countries closely follow the U.S. with respect to prevailing attitudes and access to medical safety technologies.
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