Needlestick (and sharp) injuries occur when a needle or other sharp instrument accidentally penetrates the skin. It can result in increased exposure to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and other blood-borne viruses.
A recent survey showed that 95% of surgeons have either been personally affected by a needlestick injury or seen a colleague experience one.
Perhaps because of the cost, time and stress involved in investigating such injuries, under-reporting of sharps injuries to occupational health departments is well established.

of surgeons surveyed agree high-quality gloves improve patient safety in the operating room

of surgeons surveyed said that high-quality surgical gloves reduce the chances of exposure to blood-borne viruses

of surgeons surveyed agree that glove failure increases the risk of surgical site infections

2 million
needlestick injuries occur among health workers each year