Creating a Sharps Safety Plan

If you’ve ever worked in a laboratory, healthcare setting or even a veterinary clinic, you’ll know that sharps – like needles, scalpels or even broken glass – are an unavoidable part of the job. But here’s the thing: while these tools are essential, they are also one of the biggest risks in any workplace dealing with biological or hazardous materials. A needlestick injury can lead to infections, exposure to dangerous substances and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.

According to a survey of the Royal College of Nursing members in 2021, 15% of the 7,500 respondents had suffered a sharps injury in the preceding 12 months. This figure represents a 50% increase when compared with the college’s previous survey in 2008. Indeed, 3% of the respondents had experienced more than one sharps injury within the same period.

Having a sharps safety plan isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s a crucial step in protecting yourself, your colleagues and anyone else who might come into contact with potentially hazardous items. Whether you’re running a medical practice, managing a research lab or overseeing a tattoo studio, a well-thought-out safety plan ensures that everyone knows how to handle, dispose of, and manage sharps in the safest way possible.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating a sharps safety plan: why it matters, who needs one, what to include, and the consequences of ignoring proper safety measures. It’s not just about staying compliant with health and safety regulations – it’s about making your workplace a safer, more responsible environment for everyone.

Why Are Sharps Dangerous?

At first glance, a tiny needle or a broken piece of glass might not seem like a huge threat, but sharps are some of the most hazardous items in any workplace that deals with biological materials, chemicals or even just everyday medical procedures. Their danger lies in their ability to cut or puncture the skin, which can lead to injuries, infections and even long-term health consequences.

Risk of Infection

The most well-known danger of sharps injuries is exposure to bloodborne pathogens. A needlestick or cut from a contaminated sharp object can transmit serious infections, including:

• Hepatitis B (HBV) – A highly infectious virus that affects the liver.
• Hepatitis C (HCV) – A serious virus that can lead to chronic liver disease.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – The virus that causes AIDS, though the risk of transmission from a single needlestick is lower compared to HBV or HCV.

Even if an injury does not result in infection, the psychological impact of waiting for test results after an exposure can be incredibly stressful for the affected individual.

Chemical and Biological Contamination

Sharps aren’t just dangerous because of what they can transmit through blood. In laboratories and research facilities, they may also be contaminated with:

• Toxic chemicals (e.g., lab reagents, disinfectants or experimental drugs).
• Biological agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses or genetically modified organisms).

A puncture wound from a sharp contaminated with hazardous chemicals could lead to severe reactions, burns or long-term health issues.

Physical Injury and Tissue Damage

Even without contamination, sharps can cause significant injuries. A deep cut from a scalpel or broken glass can require stitches, damage nerves or tendons, and lead to long recovery times. In some cases, improper handling of sharps can even cause permanent damage to hands and fingers, which can be life-altering for surgeons, lab technicians and other professionals who rely on fine motor skills.

Improper Disposal Hazards

A major problem with sharps is that they don’t just pose a danger when they’re in use – if they aren’t disposed of properly, they remain a hazard.

• If thrown into regular waste bins, they can puncture rubbish bags and injure cleaning staff or refuse handlers.
• If left lying around, they increase the risk of accidental injuries for anyone in the area.
• If disposed of in the wrong container, they can cause spills, leaks or even sharps-related injuries when the container is handled.

Environmental Risks

Improper sharps disposal doesn’t just put people at risk. It can also harm the environment. Some sharps, especially those used in medical settings, contain traces of pharmaceuticals, chemicals or biological materials that can contaminate water sources and soil if not handled correctly.

In sum, sharps injuries are often entirely preventable with the right safety measures in place. By recognising their dangers and implementing proper handling, disposal and training, workplaces can drastically reduce the risks associated with sharps. And that’s exactly why having a sharps safety plan is so important.

Who Needs a Sharps Safety Plan?

Many people think that sharps safety is only a concern for hospitals or laboratories, but in reality, any workplace that uses, disposes of, or comes into contact with sharps needs a proper safety plan. A well-documented plan not only protects employees but also ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.

So, who exactly needs a sharps safety plan?

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, clinics and GP practices

Doctors, nurses and other medical staff frequently handle needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments.

Dentists and orthodontists

Dental tools, syringes and orthodontic wires also pose a risk. Dentists and orthodontists may also use needles to administer local anaesthetics during dental work.

Pharmacies

Some pharmacies provide vaccination services (such as the annual influenza vaccinations or COVID vaccinations) or handle used needles that are returned by patients.

Research Laboratories and Universities

Biomedical research labs

Scientists and lab technicians use needles, slides and may encounter broken glassware.

Chemical and environmental testing labs

These often involve fragile, sharp instruments contaminated with hazardous substances.

Universities and colleges

Academic research labs working with biological samples or chemicals must have proper sharps disposal protocols.

Veterinary Clinics and Animal Research Facilities

• Veterinarians and veterinary nurses use sharps for vaccinations, blood draws and minor surgical procedures on animals.
• Animal research facilities handle similar procedures and must ensure proper sharps disposal.

Tattoo and Piercing Studios

• Needles used for tattoos and body piercings pose a risk of cross-contamination if not handled safely.
• Proper sharps disposal prevents injuries to staff and clients.

Care Homes and Home Healthcare Services

• Caregivers assisting with insulin injections or other medical treatments need sharps safety training.
• Home healthcare providers must ensure proper sharps disposal for patient safety.

Beauty Salons and Aesthetic Clinics

Microblading and permanent make-up

These procedures involve fine needles that must be disposed of properly.

Dermal fillers and Botox injections

Aesthetic clinics using needles must follow strict disposal protocols.

Laser hair removal and electrolysis

Some treatments use sharp instruments that could pose a risk if mishandled.

Nail and beauty salons

Certain tools, like cuticle clippers and dermaplaning blades, can cause injuries and require careful disposal.

Waste Management and Care-Taking Services

• Workers handling waste or cleaning areas where sharps are used must be aware of the risks.
• Improper disposal of sharps can lead to injuries when handling waste

Emergency Services Workers

• Police officers and paramedics may encounter discarded needles or need to assist individuals with medical conditions requiring sharps.

Why It’s Important for All These Industries

If your workplace deals with sharps in any capacity, a sharps safety plan isn’t just a best practice, it’s a necessity. Without one, employees and the public face increased risks of injury, infection, as well as facing improper waste disposal.

A well-structured plan ensures that everyone knows:

• How to safely handle and dispose of sharps.
• What to do in case of an injury.
• How to reduce risks and prevent accidents.
• How to comply with health and safety regulations.

What Should You Include in a Sharps Safety Plan?

A sharps safety plan isn’t just about saying, ‘Be careful with the needles!’ It needs to be detailed, practical and easy to follow so that everyone in the workplace knows exactly how to handle, dispose of, and respond to incidents involving sharps.

A well-structured sharps safety plan should cover the following key areas:

Identify and Assessing Sharps Risks

Start by outlining:

• What types of sharps are used in your workplace (e.g., needles, scalpels, broken glass, microblading tools).
• Who handles them, and how often.
• Where they are used and disposed of.
• Any specific risks associated with your industry (e.g., risk of bloodborne infections in healthcare, contamination in laboratories, or cross-contamination in tattoo and beauty salons).

A risk assessment should be conducted regularly to identify any new hazards and ensure the plan remains relevant.

Safe Handling Procedures

To minimise injuries, the plan should provide clear guidelines on:

• How to correctly handle and use sharps to reduce risk.
• When and where to use protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, etc.).
• Techniques for passing or transferring sharps safely (e.g., using a tray instead of handing them directly to someone.
• How to use sharps containers properly (never overfilling or reaching inside).

Encouraging a safety-first mindset can significantly reduce workplace injuries.

Proper Disposal of Sharps

Your plan should specify:

Where sharps disposal containers are located

These should be easily accessible but positioned to prevent accidental spills or contamination.

What kinds of containers to use

Containers must be puncture-resistant, labelled, and compliant with local regulations.

When and how to dispose of filled containers

Define who is responsible for changing containers and where they should be stored before disposal.

Waste management procedures

Some businesses must use licensed biohazard waste disposal services.

Improper disposal is a major cause of injuries – make sure your plan clearly states disposal protocols.

Training and Education

A sharps safety plan is only useful if employees know how to follow it. Your plan should include:

• Regular training sessions on proper sharps handling and disposal.
• Emergency procedures for sharps injuries (more on this below).
• How to report hazards or issues with sharps management.
• Updates on new safety practices or regulations.

Training should be provided to all staff, including temporary workers and cleaning personnel who might come into contact with sharps.

Sharps Injury and Exposure Response

Even with the best precautions, sharps injuries can still happen. Your plan should outline clear steps for responding to an incident, including:

1. Immediate first aid – Washing the wound with soap and water, encouraging bleeding if necessary, and applying a sterile dressing.
2. Reporting the incident – All sharps injuries should be documented and reported to the designated safety officer or supervisor.
3. Seeking medical advice – If exposure to bloodborne pathogens is suspected, the affected person may need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or vaccinations (e.g., hepatitis B).
4. Follow-up procedures – Ensuring the incident is investigated and any necessary safety improvements are made.

A clear post-exposure protocol helps minimise health risks and reassures staff that they will be supported if an accident occurs.

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Every country (or region) has specific regulations regarding sharps management. Your plan should include:

• The legal requirements for sharps disposal in your location.
• Occupational health and safety guidelines that your workplace must follow.
• Any record-keeping obligations for tracking sharps-related incidents or waste disposal.

For example, in the UK, the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 set out clear rules for safe sharps handling in medical environments. Businesses that don’t comply risk fines, legal action or even closure.

Regular Review and Updates

A sharps safety plan is not a one-time document – it should be reviewed and updated regularly to:

• Address new risks as they arise.
• Ensure that training remains up to date.
• Adapt to new safety equipment or disposal methods.

Setting a schedule for annual reviews (or more frequent updates if needed) helps keep the plan relevant and effective.

Checking a Sharps Safety Plan

A strong sharps safety plan isn’t just about compliance – it’s about keeping people safe. Whether you work in a hospital, lab, beauty salon or veterinary clinic, proper sharps handling reduces injuries, prevents infections, and creates a safer workplace for everyone.

Having a sharps safety plan in place is great but it’s only effective if it’s being followed and regularly assessed. A plan that exists only on paper won’t protect employees or ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. That’s why regular checks, reviews and updates are essential.

Conducting Regular Audits

A sharps safety plan should be reviewed at least once a year or whenever there’s a significant change in workplace procedures. Here’s how to conduct an effective audit:

• Observe daily practices – Watch how employees handle sharps and dispose of them. Are they following the correct procedures?
• Inspect sharps disposal containers – Are they easily accessible, properly labelled and not overfilled?
• Review injury reports – Are there recurring issues or patterns that ned to be addressed?
• Check compliance with regulations – Are your workplace’s procedures still in line with local laws and safety guidelines?

Getting Employee Feedback

The people who actually use sharps daily are the best source of insight into what’s working and what isn’t. Regularly ask:

• Are sharps containers conveniently placed?
• Do employees feel they have the right protective equipment?
• Have they experienced any close calls or safety concerns?
• Do they feel confident in responding to a sharps injury?

Encouraging open communication ensures that safety improvements happen before accidents occur.

Testing Emergency Procedures

A sharps injury response plan is only useful if employees know how to follow it under pressure. Consider running:

• Sharps injury drills – stimulating a needlestick injury response to check if staff follow the correct procedures.
• First aid refresher training – ensuring that all employees know how to handle an exposure incident.
• Scenario-based training – Covering situations specific to your workplace, such as handling contaminated sharps or spills.

Checking Training Records

Even the best safety plan won’t work if employees haven’t been trained properly. Make sure:

• New employees receive sharps safety training as part of their induction.
• All staff attend regular refresher training.
• Training materials are up to date and reflect any new best practices.

If an audit reveals gaps in training, schedule additional sessions immediately.

Reviewing Incident Reports and Trends

If sharps injuries or near misses have occurred, have a detailed look at what went wrong:

• Were safety protocols followed?
• Was the incident preventable?
• Did the employee receive proper first aid and post-exposure care?
• Are there patterns (e.g., injuries occurring in a specific area or during a certain procedure)?

Tracking incidents helps identify recurring risks and ensures corrective action is taken.

Updating the Plan as Needed

Safety plans should evolve as workplaces change. If your workplace introduces new equipment, procedures or regulations, update the sharps safety plan according.

Common reason for updating a sharps safety plan:

• Introduction of new types of sharps (e.g., switching to retractable needles).
• Changes in disposal procedures or providers.
• New local or national health and safety regulations.
• Employee feedback highlighting practical challenges.

Why Regular Reviews Matter

A neglected safety plan puts employees at risk. Without regular checks, bad habits can creep in, disposal procedures may become lax, and accidents can increase. By keeping the plan active, up to date and regularly reviewed, you ensure that sharps safety remains a priority, not an afterthought.

Risks of Non-Compliance with Sharps Safety Regulations

Ignoring or neglecting a sharps safety plan isn’t just a minor oversight. It can have serious consequences for both employees and employers. From legal penalties to injuries and infections, failing to comply with sharps regulations can lead to devastating outcomes. Here’s what’s at stake if sharps safety isn’t taken seriously:

Increased Risk of Injury and Infection

Without proper sharps handling procedures, the likelihood of needlestick injuries and cuts increases. These injuries are not only painful but can expose individuals to bloodborne pathogens, such as:

• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Hepatitis C (HCV)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Bacterial infections from contaminated sharps

Even a single incident can lead to long-term health issues, costly treatments, and emotional distress for the affected person.

Legal and Regulatory Consequences

In the UK, strict laws govern the safe use and disposal of sharps to protect workers from injuries and exposure to bloodborne diseases. Failing to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, and even criminal charges in serious cases.

Key UK regulations include:

The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013

This law applies to all healthcare settings and outlines employer responsibilities for sharps safety. It requires:

• Safe sharps (e.g., needle-free or retractable devices) to be used where possible.
• Proper sharps disposal containers to be available and used correctly.
• Employee training on safe sharps handling and disposal.
• Incident reporting procedures for needlestick injuries or other sharps-related incidents.

Failure to comply can lead to inspections and enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

Under COSHH, sharps contaminated with biological hazards (such as bloodborne pathogens) are classed as hazardous substances. Employers must:

• Carry out risk assessments to identify sharps-related hazards.
• Implement control measures (e.g., PPE, safe disposal systems).
• Provide training and supervision to ensure employees understand the risks.

Non-compliance can lead to legal action, including fines or prosecution, if an injury occurs due to unsafe practices.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005

Sharps waste is classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of in line with environmental laws. This means:

• Sharps bins must be correctly labelled and color-coded (e.g., yellow bins for sharps contaminated with medicines).
• Businesses must use licensed waste disposal services for collection and treatment.
• Failure to dispose of sharps safely can lead to fines and environmental enforcement action.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

• HSE Investigations – If an employee suffers a sharps injury, HSE may investigate your workplace procedures.
• Fines and Prosecution – Severe breaches of health and safety laws can lead to fines of thousands of pounds or criminal charges.
• Loss of Business Reputation – Non-compliance can result in bad publicity, loss of clients and damaged trust.

Simply put, failing to follow UK sharps regulations isn’t just risky. It is illegal.

Financial Costs of Non-Compliance

Apart from legal fines, failing to implement a proper sharps safety plan can result in hidden financial costs, such as:

• Increased workers’ compensation claims for sharps-related injuries.
• Higher insurance premiums due to workplace health risks.
• Loss of productivity from injured staff needing time off.
• Expensive legal battles if employees take action for unsafe working conditions.

In short, prevention is cheaper than the cost of non-compliance.

Damage to Reputation and Business Operations

A business that fails to follow sharps safety regulations risks serious reputational damage.

• Customers and clients may lose trust in the organisation.
• Employees may feel unsafe and leave for better workplaces.
• Regulatory agencies may issue public warnings or sanctions.

For industries like beauty, aesthetics and tattooing, a bad reputation for poor health and safety can quickly drive customers away.

Moral and Ethical Responsibility

Beyond legal obligations, businesses have a duty of care to protect their employees and clients. Failing to enforce sharps safety puts lives at risk. A workplace that prioritises safety:

• Shows respect for its staff and customers.
• Reduces stress and anxiety among workers who handle sharps.
• Promotes a culture of responsibility and care.

Sharps-related injuries are 100% preventable with the right safety measures. Employers who fail to implement these measures are endangering their workforce.

Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always

Sharps safety is not optional. It’s a critical part of workforce health and safety. Whether you work in healthcare, laboratories, beauty salons, or any other field where sharps are used, following a well-designed sharps safety plan protects employees, clients and businesses alike.

By understanding the risks, following regulations and regularly reviewing safety procedures, workplaces can ensure safe sharps handling and disposal, avoiding injuries, legal trouble and financial losses.

Prioritise sharps safety – because prevention is always better than dealing with the consequences of non-compliance.