Needlestick Support & ResourcesExternal information and support related to needlestick injuries

This page brings together publicly available resources related to needlestick injuries. These links are provided for general information, education, and support. StikTalk does not provide medical or legal advice, and inclusion here does not imply endorsement.

If you have experienced an exposure, follow your facility’s protocols or seek appropriate medical guidance.

Finding What You Need

These links are provided for general information and support. Use what’s helpful to you.

General Information and Prevention-Focused Resources

These resources provide general information about needlestick injuries, including how often they occur, why they happen, and how prevention is addressed at an organizational and systems level.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Sharps Safety Program
https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/sharps-safety/index.html

Overview of needlestick risks, surveillance data, and prevention approaches in healthcare settings. Includes guidance on safer systems and injury tracking.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Bloodborne Pathogens Topic Page
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/default.html

Information on occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including engineering controls and system-level strategies to reduce sharps injuries.

Reporting and Workplace Considerations

These resources focus on reporting frameworks, employer responsibilities, and worker protections related to needlestick injuries. They address organizational requirements rather than individual fault.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens/standards

Federal regulatory requirements related to sharps safety, safer devices, sharps injury logs, and employer obligations.

American Nurses Association (ANA)
Safe Needles and Sharps Safety
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/safe-needles/

Nursing-focused perspective on sharps injury prevention, workplace safety, and advocacy for safer clinical environments.

Research and Data

These sources include peer-reviewed research and surveillance data examining the frequency of needlestick injuries and contributing factors across healthcare settings.

International Journal of General Medicine (2023)
National Survey of Sharps Injuries Among Healthcare Workers
https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S404418

National survey data on sharps injury incidence, reporting patterns, and affected healthcare roles in the United States.

Annals of Global Health (2020)
Global Prevalence and Device-Related Causes of Needle Stick Injuries
https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.2698

Systematic review examining the global prevalence of needlestick injuries and device-related contributing factors.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Sharps Injuries Among Hospital Workers (2020 Surveillance Report)
https://www.mass.gov/doc/sharps-injuries-among-hospital-workers-in-massachusetts-2020/download

Statewide surveillance data documenting reported needlestick injuries in licensed hospital settings.

Emotional Support After an Exposure

These resources provide support related to the emotional and mental health impact of a frightening or stressful experience, including needlestick injuries.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
24/7 Confidential Support
https://988lifeline.org

Immediate, confidential support by call or text for moments of acute stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm.

Mental Health America
Mental Health Resources and Screening Tools
https://www.mhanational.org

General mental health information, screening tools, and links to support resources.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/needlestick_injuries.html

Plain-language overview of needlestick risks and impacts from a public occupational health authority.

A Note About Independence

These resources are external to StikTalk and Retractable Technologies. They are shared to make information easier to find, not to replace professional guidance or institutional protocols.

If you are looking to understand how needlestick injuries affect real nurses, you can also explore stories shared on StikTalk.

Support Beyond Sharing

Sharing your story is one step. These resources are here if you want additional context, support, or information.

Healthcare professional using Retractable StikTalk communication device.

Talking to Your Team About Prevention

Starting conversations about safety, risk, and prevention without blame or assumptions.

Learn More
Two healthcare professionals using StikTalk communication device in medical setting.

Read Real Stories on StikTalk

A collection of real stories shared by nurses about their experiences with needlestick injuries.

Learn More
Healthcare professional using StikTalk device for patient testing.

Understanding Needlestick Injuries

General information about needlestick injuries, reporting considerations, and why they matter.

Learn More