Health Care/Social Assistance

Charlottesville, VA – Needlestick injuries in the health care industry decreased significantly after passage of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000, according to a study from the University of Virginia.

Sacramento, CA – California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has proposed a new standard on safe patient handling for part of the health care industry.

Washington – NIOSH on Aug. 12 released a free online course intended to help nurses and other health care professionals recognize and prevent workplace violence.

Chicago – The U.S. Public Health Service has published new guidelines for how health care personnel should handle occupational exposure to HIV.

Philadelphia – OSHA has launched a campaign that aims to protect health care workers from musculoskeletal disorders, the leading cause of injuries for those workers.

Washington – OSHA needs to issue more regulations that protect health care workers and conduct more inspections of facilities in that industry, according to a report released July 17 by advocacy group Public Citizen.

Austin, TX – Beginning Sept. 1, assaulting emergency department personnel in Texas will be a felony offense under legislation signed into law June 14 by Gov. Rick Perry (R).