NATIONAL PETITION
Stop the Sticks
385,000 sharps injuries a year is a failure we can no longer accept.
A needlestick can happen in a second. The testing, uncertainty, and fear can last for months.
ADD YOUR NAME
Demand the protection healthcare workers were promised.
Tell OSHA and federal leaders to enforce needlestick-safety protections and hold employers accountable. Add your name to support stronger enforcement of the law and safer workpalces for all healthcare workers.
A Law Without Enforcement Cannot Protect Anyone
Congress enacted the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act on November 6, 2000. The law strengthened OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to better protect workers exposed to contaminated needles and other sharps.
More than 25 years later, sharps injuries remain a serious occupational hazard.
OSHA’s own enforcement information shows that requirements involving Exposure Control Plans, annual reviews, engineering controls, frontline-worker input, and consideration of safer devices continue to be cited.
The law does not require employers to purchase a particular product or brand. It does require them to follow a documented process designed to reduce exposure and protect workers.
But too many facilities still fail to comply. Without enforcement, workers remain at risk and lives continue to be disrupted.
Evaluate Safer Devices
Employers must annually consider and document the implementation of appropriate, commercially available, and effective safer medical devices.
Listen to Frontline Workers
Non-managerial employees who provide direct patient care must be involved in identifying, evaluating, and selecting effective safety controls.
Update Safety Plans
Exposure Control Plans must be reviewed at least annually and updated to reflect advances in technology that can eliminate or reduce exposure.
Track Sharps Injuries
Covered employers must maintain a confidential sharps injury log documenting the device involved, where the injury occurred, and how it happened.
What We Demand
01
Enforce the Standard
Create a sustained, targeted enforcement initiative focused on compliance with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and the requirements strengthened by the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.
02
Hold Violators Accountable
Use meaningful penalties for serious, repeated, and willful violations. When an investigation uncovers evidence of flasified records or other potential criminal conduct, refer the matter to the appropriate authorities.
03
Make Compliance Visible
Create a clear, standardized, searchable national system showing relevant inspections, citations, violation status, and corrective actions while protecting worker and patient privacy.
04
Protect the Frontline Voice
Verify that healthcare employers are meaningfully involving non-managerial direct-care workers in device evaluation and selection, and protect workers who report hazards or raise safety concerns.
READ THE FULL PETITION
To the President, Congress, and OSHA
We, the undersigned healthcare workers and supporters, urge you to ensure full enforcement of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act to protect the men and women who care for our communites every day.
Sources & References
CDC Sharps Injury Data
National estimates and data on occupational sharps injuries.
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Requirements for exposure control and working protection.
Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act
The federal law that requires safe devices and enforcement.
OSHA Enforcement & Citations
Frequently cited workplace safety requirements.
This campaign does not endorse any specific product or brand and is not affiliated with the CDC or OSHA.