Does OSHA require the use of blunt suture needles and safety scalpels?
Yes, OSHA requires the use of sharps safety devices when ever there is a risk of injury from a contaminated “sharp” and safety devices are available. Blunt suture needles and safety scalpels are examples of a sharps safety device used in the operating room. Even if surgeons are not employees of the organization, OSHA may fine a hospital if the actions of non-employees (e.g., surgeons using non-safety devices) put workers at risk of exposure. The organization is required by OSHA to conduct an annual review and evaluation of available sharps safety devices for selection and adoption and document this review in the exposure control plan. If safety devices are available but not adopted, the reason must be clearly documented in the exposure control plan (such as interference with a medical procedure). There needs to be an annual reassessment of the feasibility of using these devices including an evaluation of the devices with documentation of any rationale for non-adoption. CDC/NIOSH and OS
