Circumstances of Percutaneous Sharps Injuries in German Healthcare Workers—An Analysis of the Ten-Year Period from 2015 to 2024 Based on Accident Insurance Data

Bibliographic Data

ID15501462
AuthorsMadeleine Dulon (0000-0001-6728-9441, Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege, corresponding author), Johanna Stranzinger (Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege), Dana Wendeler (Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege), Albert Nienhaus (0000-0003-1881-7302, Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege)
Year2026
Volume23
Issue4
Pages412-412
Publication date2026-03-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph23040412
OpenAlexW7140282326
LanguageEN
References cited23

Despite the implementation of safety-engineered devices (SEDs) in Germany, percutaneous sharps injuries (PSIs) caused by medical devices remain a major occupational risk for healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of PSIs and the circumstances of SED-associated PSIs in hospitals, medical practices, and nursing homes. Routine data from a statutory accident insurance provider for 2015–2024 were used to analyze PSI trends (n = 481,575), and survey data from online questionnaires were used to analyze circumstances of PSIs (n = 791). Routine data showed a slight decline (6.1%) in PSIs over the past 10 years across all sectors. Hospitals and medical practices had the highest rates (30.2 and 21.6 PSIs per 1000 full-time equivalents, respectively). The devices most frequently involved were blood collection needles in hospitals and medical practices and insulin pens in nursing homes. Overall, 43.1% of PSIs were related to the improper disposal of used devices. Around 31.1% of PSIs were associated with SEDs. Around 33% of SED-related injuries occurred during disposal. High workload and distraction were the most frequently reported causes of injuries. Regular training should be provided to raise staff awareness of the proper handling and disposal of used devices

Accident insurance · Distraction · Health care · MEDLINE · Occupational safety and health · Patient safety · Percutaneous · Workload · Infection Control and Ventilation · Infection Control in Healthcare · Occupational Health and Safety Research

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