Question

Jennifer is a nurse at Dr. Smith's Primary Care Center. While giving a patient a shot she accidentally stuck herself with a needle. The patient is positive for HIV and upon discussion, with a coworker, she learns that the sharp she was using is not approved by OSHA. Answer the following questions about the next steps Jennifer should take.

1. What first steps should she take for this incident?

2. How would she file an OSHA violation report?

3. Would she qualify for Workers Compensation? Why or why not?

Once you have answered the questions, write one page to discuss the history of Workers Compensation and OSHA. Be sure to discuss their purpose and the special training needed in the field of Occupation Medicine to help those injured on the job.

Answer 1

1.this is a case of needle stick injury Ms Jenifer should not panic after the incident she should immediately wash the finger with soap and water do not squeeze the site .after which inform your immediate senior and proceed for post exposure prophylaxis according to the cdc guidelines post exposure prophylaxis should include checking HIV,HbsAg,HCV. Along with a baseline CBC,LFT she will have to start 28days of Anti Retroviral Therapy regimen of zadivoudine and Emitracitamine

2.she can telephonically or email the regional office of OSHA using the complaint form .she can download the complaint form from website and fill and submit and contact through phone .

3.OSHA compensation has to have minimum requirement of an injury to be leading to death,days away from work,transfer to other place or medical treatment other than first aid and loss of consciousness in this case Jennifer needle stick injury she needs ART therapy to be taken a follow-up blood workup to be done all this should be covered by the organization.

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration is a government organization formed in the year 1971 to safeguard and to provide safer working condition for labourers and workers working .It aims in reducing occupational hazards by identifying the risk for occupational injury and devicing ways to reduce injury .It also lays down guidelines for various sectors in prevention aspect of occupational health .There sole purpose is to have a safe working condition for the workers

There are certificate and diploma courses on occupational medicine it is important as all sectors need a medico who is knowledgeable in occupational health to provide care and treatment to injured workers

Specialised trading will help to have critical thinking in case of injury,first aid,and further prevention strategies.these professionals should be involved in developing Corrective and preventive action for all forms of injury