Agriculture contains a large number of hazards which must be managed safely. Injecting livestock is often a routine part of livestock farming and animal husbandry, but if not done safely and correctly, can pose serious risks to the handler. Needlestick injuries are wounds caused by needles or other sharp objects, that accidentally penetrate the skin.
In the last five years, 120 needlestick injuries involving production animals have been reported. Although this is low compared to the millions of doses of injectable product that will have been administered over this period, these injuries can have severe and life-long consequences.
The following types of injuries have all been reported:
- Soft tissue injuries from the needle
- Injuries from automatic, high-pressure needle-free vaccinators
- Infection from dirty needles or live viral
- Extreme tissue irritation, inflammation and necrosis due to exposure to mineral oil-based vaccines
Needlestick injuries can have serious consequences; there have been 20 reports where surgery was needed, and in one case a finger had to be amputated. 15 reports involved prolonged pain, swelling or poor mobility in the affected joints, and in some cases, this affected the individual’s ability to continue working.
Precautions to take:
- Use clean, well maintained equipment appropriate for the product
- Do not use damaged equipment
- Use a vaccinator with a needle guard
- Use needle-proof gloves
- Ensure animals are properly restrained
- Be alert to any unexpected movement by the animal
- Assume the needle has penetrated the skin even if there is no initial reaction
- Don’t put uncovered needles in your pocket
- Don’t re-sheath needles – dispose of them in a sharps bin.
If an injury occurs:
- Find the product/information leaflet
- Seek immediate medical attention, showing the doctor/nurse the product/ information leaflet
- Warn medical staff that further signs can be expected
- Immediately and surgically clean the injury if an oil-based vaccine is involved
- Where possible, drive the injured person to hospital
