Special Report

Prevention starts with you

What can you do to make the work environment safer for yourself and others in the health care industry? Here are a few tips from the American Nurses Association.

• Request ANA’s Safe Needles Save Lives kit, which contains the information and tools you need to educate your colleagues and promote the use of safer needles.

• Educate your colleagues about needlestick risks and prevention strategies. Encourage your colleagues to report all needlesticks to ensure appropriate follow-up, worker’s compensation, and accurate needlestick data.

• Work with your state nurses association (SNA) to institute safer needles at your workplace and other facilities throughout the state.

• Support state and federal legislation by writing letters to your elected representatives.