Needlestick Rule Takes Effect On Schedule

April 18, 2001
Just five days before it was to go into effect, OSHA announced\r\nthat the revised version of its bloodborne pathogens standard would\r\ntake effect today, as originally scheduled.

Just five days before it was to go into effect, OSHA announced that the revised version of its bloodborne pathogens standard would take effect today, as originally scheduled.

The changes to OSHA''s standard had been subjected by President Bush to a 60-day review of all rulemaking done in the waning days of the Clinton administration.

The changes to the needlestick standard were a special case, however, because they were mandated by Congressional legislation that passed unanimously.

Rep. Charlie Norwood, R-Ga., chairman of the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee, supported the administration''s review process. But, he added, "The administration''s review caused questions and some confusion among the regulated public about whether the needlestick safety regulatory changes would be implemented on time."

The agency is planning a 90-day outreach and education effort before enforcing the new rules.

An OSHA spokesperson explained that the administration completed its review of the revisions to the needlestick standard and "concluded that the rule should go forward in line with the law that was passed by Congress."

The revisions clarify the need for employers to select safer needle devices as they become available and to involve employees in identifying and choosing the devices. The updated standard also requires employers to maintain a log of injuries from contaminated sharps.

Rep. Cass Ballenger, R-N.C., the former chair of the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee asserted there is tremendous bipartisan support for the law mandating the revisions.

"More than 600,000 needlestick injuries occur annually," said Ballenger. "The law makes certain that safer medical devices will be used and the lives of health care workers will be made better for it."

by James Nash

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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