Compliance with OHS sharps requirements is mandatory

Prevent needle-stick injuries this flu season. Adhere to the standards outlined in Sections 525 to 529 of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code – they apply to both pharmacists and their employers.

Pharmacies handling sharps should use only safety-engineered needles and must have procedures that deal with:

• The hazards associated with the use and disposal of medical sharps;
• The proper use and disposal of medical sharps;
• Procedures to eliminate accidental contact with medical sharps; and
• Post-exposure management of workers (OHS Code 530).

Additional information on specific OHS requirements and post-exposure management of injuries is available in the following resources:

1. Alberta Guidelines for Non-Occupation, Occupational and Mandatory Testing and Disclosure Act Post-Exposure Management and Prophylaxis (January 2013)
2. www.worksafely.org
3. Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation, and Code
4. OHS Code Explanation Guide
5. Best Practices for the Assessment and Control of Biological Hazards