Potential work-related bloodborne pathogen exposures by industry and occupation in the United States part I: an emergency department-based surveillance study

A Review of the Fabrication Methods, Testing, and Performance of Face Masks

Improvement in the performance and compatibility of face masks has remained the focus of researchers in recent years, especially after the emergence of the COVID pandemic. Although a lot of progress in the design, tolerability, and comfort of the mask has been reported, there are certain limitations, requiring further improvement. The present review aims to highlight the filtration efficacy, comfort, and associated characteristic of various types of face masks and respirators as a function of their design and structure. In addition, the air pollutants, their adverse effects on health, certified respirators, and face masks are also discussed. The present review also provides an insight into different types of commercially available face masks in terms of their materials, filtration efficiency, and limitations. The role of emerging trends (such as nanotechnology and high-performance polymers) in the improvement and development of face masks and respirators is also discussed.

Respiratory Protection Against Emerging Infectious Diseases: Face Masks, Respirators, and Tools for Choosing Between Them

The scientific literature reflects considerable debate over which types of respiratory protective devices (RPDs) are appropriate for protecting workers against exposure to infectious bioaerosols, including during outbreaks of emerging diseases. Some evidence suggests that face masks may offer similar protection to respirators, while other studies have found marked disparities in the protectiveness of these types of devices. Previous reviews have called for more information, chiefly in the form of clinical trials, to better inform decision making about RPDs. However, alternative approaches to respirator selection, including control banding tools that match groups of similar hazards to appropriate control measures, may be useful in choosing RPDs for workers with potential bioaerosol exposures on the job. These tools, while offering more streamlined approaches to RPD selection, come with challenges of their own, including questions about how to allocate different RPDs to different workers. This article reviews arguments on both sides of the face mask-respirator divide and considers the use of control banding tools in the context of preparedness for serious emerging infectious disease outbreaks.

Risk of Sharps Injuries to Home Care Nurses and Aides: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate all available literature and develop a pooled estimate of the risk of sharps injuries (SI) among home care (HC) nurses and aides.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted and relevant articles were reviewed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Primary outcome data from studies identified by the systematic review were pooled using a random effects model to calculate a summary measure of SI risk for nurses and for aides.

RESULTS

Five articles were included in the final analysis. Nurses had a 5.25% weighted average risk of experiencing at least one SI in the past year while working in HC (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.11% to 7.40%); aides pooled SI risk was 1.74% (95% CI: 0.72% to 2.77%).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining findings of all available studies demonstrates that there is a serious risk of SI among both the HC nurses and aides.

Work-related illness and injury claims among nationally certified athletic trainers reported to Washington and California from 2001 to 2011

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the work-related injury and illnesses experienced by certified athletic trainers (AT).

METHODS

The incidence and characteristics of injury/illness claims filed in two workers' compensation systems were described from 2001 to 2011. Yearly populations at risk were estimated from National Athletic Trainers' Association membership statistics. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were reported by job setting.

RESULTS

Claims were predominantly for traumatic injuries and disorders (82.7%: 45.7% sprains/strains, 12.0% open wounds, 6.5% bruises) and at these body sites (back 17.2%, fingers 12.3%, and knee 9.6%) and over half were caused by body motion and overexertion (51.5%). Compared with school settings, clinic/hospital settings had modestly higher claim rates (IRR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.06-1.52) while other settings (e.g., professional or youth sport, nursing home) had lower claim rates (IRR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

These first known estimates of work-related injuries/illnesses among a growing healthcare profession help identify occupational tasks and settings imposing injury risk for ATs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1156-1168, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sharps injuries among emergency department nurses in one tertiary care hospital in Ghana

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is the most serious occupational health risk encountered within the healthcare profession worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 3 million healthcare workers experience percutaneous injuries each year. The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the frequency of sharps injuries, and (2) assess the adequacy, understanding, and use of post-exposure protocols within a sample of the nursing staff at a busy tertiary care emergency department in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A mixed-methods descriptive study design was used including key informant interviews to develop the survey, a structured survey of emergency department nursing staff, and document review. Overall, the emergency department staff was well informed regarding the risks of sharps injury and the immediate steps to take in the event of a sharps injury. However, few staff could list essential post-exposure follow-up steps. Over one-quarter (28.9%) of emergency nurses reported a sharps injury during a one-year period according to hospital records. The high incidence of sharps injuries indicates an urgent and pressing need for policy and educational interventions to address the infectious disease risk to this group of emergency department staff.

Characterizing emergency department patients who reported work-related injuries and illnesses

BACKGROUND

Per a Congressional directive and funding, this study describes worker and workplace characteristics of emergency department (ED) patients who reported their injury/illness to their employer. The study also responds to Congress's request to enumerate injured/ill self-employed workers and workers with chronic conditions.

METHODS

We conducted a follow-back study on injured/ill workers, including self-employed, identified from a national ED surveillance system from June 2012 through December 2013.

RESULTS

An estimated 3,357,000 (95%CI: 2,516,000-4,199,000) workers treated in EDs reported their injury/illness to their employer or were self-employed. Of those, 202,000 (95%CI: 133,000-272,000) had a chronic condition. Of all reporters, excluding self-employed, 77% indicated they received instructions as to whom to report.

CONCLUSION

The study did not identify underreporting issues and revealed that medical records data may not be appropriate for assessing underreporting. Additional research is needed to examine workplace characteristics that encourage injury and illness reporting. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:610-620, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Missed Opportunities for HIV Prophylaxis Among Emergency Department Patients With Occupational and Nonoccupational Body Fluid Exposures

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Exposures to HIV are frequently managed in the emergency department (ED) for assessment and potential initiation of HIV postexposure prophylaxis. Despite established guidelines, it is unclear whether patients with a nonoccupational exposure are managed similarly to patients with an occupational exposure.

METHODS

This retrospective study used an administrative database to identify consecutive patients at a single ED with a discharge diagnosis of "blood or body fluid exposure" without sexual assault from April 1, 2007 to June 30, 2013. Patient exposure details and physician management were ascertained according to predefined guidelines. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with high-risk exposures who were correctly given HIV prophylaxis; the secondary outcome was the proportion of patients with low-risk exposures who were correctly not given HIV prophylaxis. Other outcomes included the proportion of patients who had a baseline HIV test in the ED, the proportion who followed up with an HIV test within 6 months, and the number of seroconversions in this group. All outcomes were compared between nonoccupational and occupational exposure.

RESULTS

Of 1,972 encounters, 1,358 patients (68.9%) had an occupational exposure and 614 (31.1%) had a nonoccupational exposure. In the occupational exposure group, 190 patients (14.0%) were deemed high risk, with 160 (84.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 78.1% to 88.9%) appropriately given prophylaxis. In the nonoccupational exposure group, 287 patients (46.7%) had a high-risk exposure, with 208 (72.5%; 95% CI 66.8% to 77.5%) given prophylaxis, for a difference of 11.7% (95% CI 3.8% to 19.1%). For low-risk exposures, appropriate management of both occupational and nonoccupational exposure was similar (92.4% versus 93.0%). At the index ED visit, 90.5% of occupational exposure patients and 76.7% of nonoccupational exposure patients received HIV testing, for a difference of 13.8% (95% CI 10.1% to 17.7%). At 6 months, 25.4% of patients with an occupational exposure and 35.0% of patients with a nonoccupational exposure had a follow-up test, for a difference of -9.6% (95% CI -14.2% to -5.1%). Of patients who had follow-up testing within 6 months, 4 of 215 (1.9%) in the nonoccupational exposure group tested newly positive for HIV, whereas 0 of 345 (0%) in the occupational exposure group tested positive.

CONCLUSION

For ED patients with blood or body fluid exposures, those with high-risk nonoccupational exposures were not given HIV prophylaxis nearly twice as often as those with high-risk occupational exposure. Although 6-month follow-up testing rates were low, 1.9% of high-risk nonoccupational exposure patients seroconverted.

Needlestick Injuries in Nursing Homes: The Prominent Role of Insulin Pens

Causes and circumstances related to 162 needlestick injuries in nursing homes were analyzed. In addition to nurses, geriatrics helpers were found to be an important occupational group at risk. Insulin pens were the most frequent cause of needlestick injuries among nursing personnel. Insulin pens are a major instrument involved with unsafe needle-handling practices.

Nonfatal work-related motor vehicle injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States, 1998-2002

BACKGROUND

Current data on nonfatal work-related motor vehicle injuries are limited and fragmented, often excluding government workers, self-employed workers, and workers on small farms. This study seeks to bridge the present data gap by providing a national profile of nonfatal work-related motor vehicle injuries across all industries and occupations.

METHODS

Study subjects were people who suffered nonfatal work-related motor vehicle injuries and were treated in a hospital emergency department in the United States. Subjects were identified from a stratified probability sample of emergency departments. National estimates and rates were computed.

RESULTS

From 1998 to 2002, the average annual rate of nonfatal work-related motor vehicle injuries was 7 injuries per 10,000 full-time equivalents. The rate was three times higher in men than in women. The rates were higher in workers 15-19 years of age and in workers 70 years or older. Justice, public order, and safety workers had the largest number of injuries, and taxicab service employees had the highest injury rate of all industries. Truck drivers had the largest number of injuries, and police and detectives, public service employees had the highest injury rate of all occupations.

CONCLUSION

Future efforts need to develop and enhance the use of surveillance information at the federal and state level for work-related nonfatal motor vehicle injuries. Prevention efforts need to address occupational motor vehicle safety for both commercial truck/bus drivers and workers who are not commercial drivers but who drive light motor vehicles on the job.

Blood or body fluid exposures and HIV postexposure prophylaxis utilization among first responders

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the incidence of first-responder visits to emergency departments (EDs) for blood or body fluid exposures, elucidate any temporal patterns of these visits, and quantify human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) utilization for these exposures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of first responders presenting to Rhode Island EDs for blood or body fluid exposures from 1995 to 2001. Incidence rates for exposures with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Temporal trends for visits were modeled. Factors associated with HIV PEP utilization were identified using logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were estimated.

RESULTS

The average incidence rate of ED visits for blood or body fluid exposures was 23.29 (20.07-26.52) ED visits per 100,000 ambulance runs. The incidence rose between 1995 and 1999 and then decreased. First-responder ED visits were lowest in October and highest in April and were lowest at 7 am and highest at 7 pm. First responders presenting with a percutaneous or blood-to-mucous membrane exposure had a 4.13 (1.82-8.89) greater odds and those exposed to a known HIV-infected source had a 9.03 (1.59-51.26) greater odds of being offered HIV PEP. First responders presenting to a teaching hospital had a 2.21 (1.02-4.77) greater odds of being offered prophylaxis and a 4.20 (1.08-16.32) greater odds of accepting prophylaxis when it was offered.

CONCLUSIONS

First responders face a risk of blood or body fluid exposure that varies over the course of the day and the year. HIV PEP is more likely to be used if the exposures are percutaneous, or blood-to-mucous membrane, or if the source is known to be HIV-infected. Standardization of protocols across EDs for administering HIV prophylaxis appears to be needed.

Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among health care workers in a general hospital, China

OBJECTIVES

To understand current status of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF), and awareness of knowledge about occupational bloodborne pathogen exposures and universal precaution among hospital-based health care workers (HCWs).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted during April to May 2004 to study incidence of occupational exposure to BBF among 1,144 hospital-based HCWs.

RESULTS

The total incidence and the average number of episodes exposure to BBF was 66.3/100 HCWs per year and 7.5 per person per year in the past year, respectively. The incidence (per 100/HCWs per year) and the average number of episodes (per HCW per year) of percutaneous injury (PCI), mucous-membrane exposure (MME), and exposure to BBF by damaged skin was 50.3 and 1.8; 34.4 and 1.7; and 37.9 and 4.0, respectively. The leading incidence and the average number of episodes of PCI occurred in delivery room (82.6 and 1.8). The highest percentage of PCI's that occurred during the previous 2 weeks occurred during a surgical operation (22.8%). Of all sharp instruments, the suture needle contributed the highest percentage of PCI's (24.7%) among HCWs in the last 2 weeks. Over two-thirds (68.3%) of respondents were immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine; less than one-half (47%) of HCWs wore gloves while doing procedures on patients. The respondents demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding transmission of bloodborne diseases and universal precautions.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk for potential exposure to BBF appears high in HCWs, and almost all of episodes are not reported. It is urgent to establish the Guideline for Prevention and Control of Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens among HCWs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:89-98, 2009. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Characteristics of persons and jobs with needlestick injuries in a national data set

BACKGROUND

Physicians, nurses, and others are at risk of needlesticks, yet little national information is available regarding incidence across demographic and occupational categories.

METHODS

Analysis was conducted on national data on occupational injuries for 1992-2003 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Because BLS data were limited to cases with 1 or more days of work loss, and reasons related to reporting of incidents, the data only reflected a subset of all needlesticks. Nevertheless, the data were internally consistent across categories so that relative magnitudes were reliable. Statistical tests for differences in proportions were conducted that compared needlesticks with all other occupational injuries and employment.

RESULTS

Cases with 1 or more days of work loss numbered 903 per year, on average, from 1992 through 2003. Women comprised 73.3% (95% CI: 72.5%-74.2%) of persons injured. For those reporting race, white, non-Hispanic comprised 69.3% of the total (95% CI: 68.1%-70.4%); black, non-Hispanic, 14.8% (95% CI: 13.9%-15.6%); and Hispanic, 13.8% (95% CI: 12.9%-14.6%). The age bracket 35 to 44 years had the highest percentage of injuries at 34.0% (95% CI: 33.1%-34.9%). Ages over 54 years reported smaller percentages of needlestick injuries than either all other injuries or employment. Occupations with greatest frequencies included registered nurses, nursing aides and orderlies, janitors and cleaners, licensed practical nurses, and maids and housemen. Occupations with greatest risks included biologic technicians, janitors and cleaners, and maids and housemen. Almost 20% (95% CI: 18.88%-20.49%) of needlesticks occurred outside the services industry. Seven percent (95% CI: 6.56%-7.53%) of needlesticks resulted in 31 or more days of work loss in contrast to 20.46% (95% CI: 20.44%-20.48%) of all other injuries.

CONCLUSION

In this nationally representative sample, the most frequent demographic and occupational categories were women; white, non-Hispanic; ages 35 to 44 years; and registered nurses.

Incidence of visits for health care worker blood or body fluid exposures and HIV postexposure prophylaxis provision at Rhode Island emergency departments

OBJECTIVES

To compare the incidence and types of emergency department (ED) visits for blood or body fluid exposures sustained by health care workers (HCWs) in Rhode Island and to identify factors predictive of HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) utilization for these exposures.

METHODS

A retrospective study of ED visits for blood or body fluid exposures to all Rhode Island EDs from January 1995 to June 2001 was conducted. Average incidence rates (IRs) of visits by HCW occupation and type of exposure were estimated and compared. Logistic regression models were created to determine which HCWs were more likely to be offered and to accept HIV PEP.

RESULTS

Of 1551 HCW ED visits for occupational exposures, 72.5% sustained a percutaneous injury and only 2.5% were exposed to a source known to be HIV-infected. Hospital custodians had the highest IR of ED visits for percutaneous injuries (81 ED visits per year per 10,000 workers). Visits for all exposures increased over the study years and were most common during March, on weekends, and at 5:00 PM. Of all HCWs, 91.2% presented within 24 hours of their exposure and 98.2% presented within 72 hours. HIV PEP was offered to 469 HCWs and accepted 229 times. HCWs more likely to be offered HIV PEP were exposed to a known HIV-infected source (odds ratio [OR] = 6.38), sustained a significant exposure (OR = 4.98), presented to an academic hospital ED (OR = 2.60), were a member of the medical staff (OR = 2.02), and were exposed during the latter years of the study (OR = 1.23). HCWs were more likely to accept HIV PEP when it was offered if they were male (OR = 1.64) and presented to an academic hospital ED (OR = 2.72).

CONCLUSIONS

The IRs of ED visits for exposures varied by occupation, and there were clear temporal trends for these visits. Despite the existence of federal guidelines for HIV PEP for occupational blood or body fluid exposures, factors other than characteristics of the exposure, such as type of hospital, occupation, and gender, may be influencing HIV PEP utilization.

Non-hospital based registered nurses and the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of blood and body fluid exposure among non-hospital based registered nurses (RNs) employed in New York State. The study population was mainly unionized public sector workers, employed in state institutions. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by a random stratified sample of members of the New York State Nurses Association and registered nurse members of the New York State Public Employees Federation. Results were reviewed by participatory action research (PAR) teams to identify opportunities for improvement. Nine percent of respondents reported at least one needlestick injury in the 12-month period prior to the study. The percutaneous injury (PI) rate was 13.8 per 100 person years. Under-reporting was common; 49% of all PIs were never formally reported and 70% never received any post-exposure care. Primary reasons for not reporting included: time constraints, fear, and lack of information on reporting. Significant correlates of needlestick injuries included tenure, patient load, hours worked, lack of compliance with standard precautions, handling needles and other sharps, poor safety climate, and inadequate training and availability of safety devices (p<0.05). PAR teams identified several risk reduction strategies, with an emphasis on safety devices. Non-hospital based RNs are at risk for bloodborne exposure at rates comparable to hospital based RNs; underreporting is an important obstacle to infection prevention, and primary and secondary risk management strategies appeared to be poorly implemented. Intervention research is warranted to evaluate improved risk reduction practices tailored to this population of RNs.

Potential work-related exposures to bloodborne pathogens by industry and occupation in the United States Part II: A telephone interview study

BACKGROUND

The companion surveillance portion of this study [Chen and Jenkins, 2007] reported the frequency and rate of potential work-related exposures to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) treated in emergency departments (EDs) by industry and occupation, but it lacks details on the circumstances of the exposure and other relevant issues such as BBP safety training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or safety needles, or reasons for seeking treatment in a hospital ED.

METHODS

Telephone interviews were conducted with workers who had been treated in EDs for potential work-related exposures to BBP in 2000-2002. Respondents were drawn from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

RESULTS

Of the 593 interviews, 382 were from hospitals, 51 were from emergency medical service/firefighting (EMS/FF), 86 were from non-hospital healthcare settings (e.g., nursing homes, doctors' offices, home healthcare providers, etc.), 22 were from law enforcement (including police and correctional facilities), and 52 were from other non-healthcare settings (i.e., schools, hotels, and restaurants). Needlestick/sharps injuries were the primary source of exposure in hospitals and non-hospital healthcare settings. Skin and mucous membrane was the primary route of exposure in EMS/FF. Human bites accounted for a significant portion of the exposures in law enforcement and other non-healthcare settings. In general, workers from non-hospital settings were less likely to use PPE, to have BBP safety training, to be aware of the BBP standards and exposure treatment procedures, and to report or seek treatment for a work-related exposure compared to hospital workers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that each industry group has unique needs that should be addressed.