Table 3 Frequencies of needle-stick injuries categorized according to activity and reason

Activity

 Assistance in theatre

10

31.3

 Blood sampling

6

18.8

 Suturing

5

16.5

 Incorrect use of a safety device

3

9.4

 On disposal of sharps

2

6.3

 Insertion of a peripheral line

2

6.3

 Puncturing or removal of a port catheter

2

6.3

 Handing sharps to colleagues

1

3.1

 Other

1

3.1

Reason

 Lack of concentration

21

65.6

 Distraction

13

40.6

 Other/miscellaneous

8

25.0

 Stress/under time pressure

4

12.5

 Lack of practice/instruction

4

12.5

 Unavoidable situation (e.g. injury caused by third party or sudden patient movement)

3

9.4

 Unknown instrument/unknown safety mechanism

3

9.4

 Material defects

2

6.3

 Work overload

2

6.3

 Boredom through lack of a challenge

0

0.0

 Lack of sleep

0

0.0