Background: Today the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released its report on nearly 400 responses received from healthcare facilities and others about steps they are taking to minimize the risk of needlesticks. A summary of the report is available on OSHA's web page at http://www.osha.gov/html/ndlreport052099.html and under Technical Links on the Needlestick page. The full report will be available on the page shortly.

"Safer needle devices mean fewer needlesticks for healthcare workers. Evidence from nearly 400 comments, in response to our request for information last fall, make this clear.

"We can and must reduce the estimated 590,000 needlesticks that occur each year among our 5.6 million healthcare workers. It's time to make sure that healthcare workers have up-to-date devices that limit the risk of needlesticks and the potential for contracting deadly diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis.

"OSHA's evaluation of responses from healthcare workers and employers demonstrates the importance of employee involvement in choosing safer devices, establishing safer work practices and providing employee training to take advantage of the new technology.

"I want to especially thank Senator Barbara Boxer and unions representing healthcare workers for drawing attention to this problem. I also appreciate the efforts of Representatives Pete Stark and Marge Roukema who today are introducing the Stark-Roukema Health Care Worker Needlestick and Sharps Injury Prevention Act.

"I share their desire to reduce the high number of preventable sharps injuries suffered by American healthcare workers and look forward to working with them to achieve that goal."

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