MARCH 2019
Needlestick injuries on the farm are usually minor, but they can be life-threatening. Farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, and agricultural workers are susceptible to needlestick injuries on the job.
Prevent these kinds of injuries through worker training and best practices with sharps storage, handling, and disposal.
SAFETY CHECKLIST
- Do you have a safety training program for employees who are working with sharps?
- Does employee training address products of most concern if there were an accidental needlestick?
- Do injection procedures include enough time for safe handling?
- Are employees trained to restrain animals properly while handling sharps?
- Are employees trained how to use a one-handed scoop if it is necessary to recap a needle? Refer to training videos at umash.umn.edu/needlestick
- Have employees had safety training on how to respond to an injury, get healthcare, and report an injury?
- Are appropriate disposal containers readily available for disposing of sharps?
- Is your farm complying with the state or local requirements for proper disposal of sharps (medical waste)? E.g type of container, labeling, disposal sites. Refer to SafeNeedleDisposal.org
You and/or your employee(s) can download and print a pdf checklist to complete safety checks on your farm. Keep the completed forms for follow-up, future reference and inspections.
DOWNLOAD PDF CHECKLIST
Needlestick Safety Posters
Print-ready PDF files can be downloaded below.
A limited supply of pre-printed 11 x 17 laminated posters are available upon request.
Call 612-625-8836 or email umash@umn.edu
Disclaimer: The facts and information listed above are suggestions for your safety, but are in no way a comprehensive and exhaustive list of all actions needed to ensure your safety.
