Authors (including presenting author) :
Lo KT(1)(2), Lo L(1)(2), Chan Y(1)(2), Ng CP(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Safety and Health Team, Kowloon East Cluster, (2) Human Resource Division, Kowloon East Cluster
Introduction :
Sharp injuries pose the highest risk among workplace hazards in terms of the number of Injury-On-Duty (IOD) cases. The KEC OSH Team identified a soar mostly happened in the third quarter of each year. In view of this, the team organized a comprehensive Sharps Injury Prevention Program which was supported by OSH Committees in KEC. This Prevention Program aims to reduce the risk of sharps injuries and enhance the staff safety as well as quality clinical services.
Objectives :
(1)To reduce the number of sharps-related IOD injuries and minimize associated risks through a series of initiatives; (2)To arouse staff awareness to build up a safety culture
Methodology :
A series of initiatives under the Sharps Injury Prevention Program have been implemented to enhance safety awareness regarding the use of sharps. Departments with high risk of sharps injuries were provided with the risks analysis and invited to participate in the Program. (1) Annual Surveillance Exercise: To assess compliance with sharps safety protocols and to identify opportunities for improvement, aiming for 100% coverage of the targeted staff of nursing and supporting staff involved in sharp handling; (2) Promotional Roadshow and Quiz: To enhance staff awareness of general safety practices related to sharps, incentivizing participation through small gifts; (3) Sharps Injury Prevention Sharing Session: To share IOD trend and cases analysis to help staff understand the causes and preventive measures; (4) Sharps Safety Device Demonstration: Collaborate with medical suppliers to showcase and educate staff on using sharps and its safety devices.
Result & Outcome :
The annual surveillance exercise achieved a 100% completion rate. Engagement levels were notable, with over 450 and 400 staff joining the promotional quiz and roadshow respectively. Approximately 200 targeted staff took part in safety device demonstrations. Additionally, over 150 staff attended the sharps injury prevention sharing session, with 92% of participants agreeing the objectives met. A significant 34% decrease in sharps-related number of IOD per 100 Full-Time-Equivalent Staff in the subsequent quarter, dropping from 0.35 in 3Q2024 to 0.23 in 4Q2024. The overwhelming participations with positive feedback in the programs and the decrease in the reported injury reflected the program's effectiveness in minimizing sharps-related risks in our working environment and it allows the hospital to retain more manpower to provide high-quality clinical services.
