Needlestick (and sharp) injuries occur when a needle or other sharp instrument accidentally penetrates the skin. It can result in increased exposure to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and other blood-borne viruses  .

A recent survey showed that 95% of surgeons have either been personally affected by a needlestick injury or seen a colleague experience one  .

Perhaps because of the cost, time and stress involved in investigating such injuries, under-reporting of sharps injuries to occupational health departments is well established.