Celebrated on 12/01/2026
Sharps injuries, such as needlesticks, can transmit over 20 bloodborne pathogens including HIV and hepatitis. The World Health Organization estimates that 2 million healthcare workers experience percutaneous exposure to infectious diseases each year.
International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month was established to address the significant risk that sharps injuries pose to healthcare workers and others. The initiative was spearheaded by organizations such as the International Safety Center and the EPINet (Exposure Prevention Information Network) in the early 2000s, following the adoption of the European Union's Needlestick Directive in 2010 and similar legislation in the United States. The goal was to raise awareness about the dangers of sharps injuries and promote the use of safer medical devices, such as retractable needles and needleless systems.
Over time, the month has evolved from a focus on healthcare settings to include broader awareness in waste management, janitorial services, and even community settings. Modern commemoration includes educational campaigns, training sessions, and the promotion of safety-engineered devices. Organizations host webinars, distribute informational materials, and encourage reporting of sharps injuries to improve data collection and prevention strategies. The month also highlights the importance of proper disposal and the use of sharps containers.
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