Press Enter to search
In medical and surgical environments, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a critical role in ensuring workplace safety. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates protocols for handling sharp medical instruments, including scalpels and needles, to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious materials. Compliance with OSHA’s guidelines is not only a regulatory requirement but also an essential measure for protecting healthcare workers from preventable injuries and infections.
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is designed to protect healthcare workers from the dangers of occupational exposure to infectious materials. It outlines necessary precautions, including the use of engineering safety devices such as single-handed scalpel blade removers, personal protective equipment (PPE), proper hand hygiene, vaccination programs, and comprehensive training for employees. Facilities must establish Exposure Control Plans (ECPs) to ensure compliance, including identifying at-risk personnel, implementing engineering controls, and conducting regular safety training.
A critical aspect of OSHA compliance is the use of engineering controls—devices that remove or reduce hazards associated with sharp medical instruments. These controls must be evaluated and updated annually to ensure their effectiveness in protecting healthcare workers from bloodborne pathogens.
OSHA emphasizes the use of engineering controls as the first line of defense in preventing needlestick and scalpel-related injuries. These controls include needleless systems, self-sheathing needles, and single-handed scalpel blade removers designed to minimize the risk of direct contact with contaminated sharps. Healthcare facilities must regularly assess and implement the most effective tools to enhance workplace safety.
One of the key strategies in compliance is substituting traditional sharp-handling methods with safer alternatives, such as single-use or safety-engineered scalpels and blade removers. These innovations significantly lower the risk of injuries and help institutions meet OSHA's strict safety standards.
Scalpel and needle-related injuries remain a significant concern in operating rooms, emergency departments, and other medical settings. Improper disposal and handling of sharps can lead to percutaneous injuries, exposing healthcare professionals to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. According to OSHA, institutions must implement engineering and work practice controls to mitigate these risks, including the use of scalpel blade removers and single-use scalpel blade removers.
To support compliance with OSHA’s safety standards, MYCO Medical offers advanced sharps safety solutions, particularly the Qlicksmart BladeFlask. The BladeFLASK is a single-handed scalpel blade remover and a sharps container designed to minimize direct contact with contaminated sharps, significantly reducing the risk of injuries and infections.
Recognized as a trusted authority in medical technology assessments, ECRI (Emergency Care Research Institute) has evaluated Qlicksmart’s scalpel blade removers for their effectiveness in reducing sharps injuries. Their analysis underscores the safety benefits and regulatory compliance that institutions gain from integrating such solutions into their surgical workflow.
For a comprehensive breakdown of ECRI’s findings, visit:
Ensuring OSHA compliance in surgical and medical settings is not just about following regulations—it’s about protecting the healthcare workforce from preventable harm. Implementing sharps safety solutions like the Qlicksmart BladeFlask can help institutions not only meet safety standards for patients, but also foster a safer working environment for all medical professionals.
By integrating evidence-backed engineering controls and adopting best practices, healthcare organizations can effectively reduce sharps-related injuries, comply with OSHA regulations, and ultimately enhance overall patient and provider safety.
For more information on MYCO Medical’s sharps safety products, visit: MYCO Medical Sharps Safety.
It is a regulatory guideline designed to protect healthcare workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens by enforcing the use of safety controls and proper handling of sharp medical instruments.
Proper sharps safety practices reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
Engineering controls include devices such as self-sheathing needles, scalpel blade removers, and other safety-engineered instruments that minimize the risk of exposure to sharps injuries.
MYCO Medical provides a range of sharps safety solutions, including Qlicksmart blade removers and needle systems, designed to meet OSHA's safety standards and protect healthcare professionals.
Most Qlicksmart products are designed for single-use to ensure maximum safety and prevent cross-contamination.
You can browse MYCO Medical’s full range of sharps safety products or request a complimentary sample by visiting MYCO Medical Sharps Safety.
MYCO Medical is a certified diversity supplier by NMSDC. We provide top-notch medical devices and disposables to health systems across the United States and Canada. With a track record since 1993, we've assisted numerous hospitals and care centers in overcoming their supply chain hurdles and establishing a reliable source of premium medical supplies.
Our sharps safety products are crafted with high-quality materials to ensure optimal protection and comfort, reflecting our unwavering commitment to enhancing performance. Manufactured under stringent quality standards, all our products are made in ISO 13485-certified facilities that adhere to US FDA's good manufacturing practices.
Browse our wide selection of sharps safety equipment, including blade and needle removal systems, ampoule openers, and more, or contact our sales team today and receive a complimentary sample and quote for our most popular products.
.png)
.png)
.png)