What does the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act require employers to do?

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act primarily focuses on reducing the risk of needlestick injuries and the exposure to bloodborne pathogens in healthcare settings. One of the key requirements of this legislation is that employers must take steps to eliminate or at least minimize exposure to contaminated sharps, such as needles and other sharp instruments that could potentially cause injury and transmit diseases.

To meet this requirement, employers are encouraged to identify and utilize safer needle devices and implement other engineering controls that can help decrease the likelihood of needlesticks. This emphasis on prevention is crucial because it directly addresses the hazards associated with sharps in the workplace, promoting a safer environment for healthcare workers and patients alike.

While training employees, providing vaccinations, and conducting health screenings are important for overall occupational health, they are not the primary focus of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. The act's central requirement centers on reducing sharps-related injuries, making the correct answer the necessity for employers to eliminate or minimize exposure to contaminated sharps.