An analysis of the Texas Bloodborne Pathogen Law and its impact on the reporting of needlestick injuries among health care workers employed by the city of Houston, Texas, 2000--2002

Needlestick injuries continue to pose a significant high risk to health care workers. Since these injuries increase the likelihood of contracting a bloodborne illness, workers compensation claims have been steadily increasing nationally. This study utilizes data claims from workers compensation to determine effectiveness of the Texas Bloodborne Pathogen Law to cause reductions of needlestick injuries claims. Among health care workers studied by job category, there were a total of 646 needlestick injuries reported and 30 accepted claims filed This study indicated that there was a 22 to 1 ratio for needlestick injuries per accepted claim among health care workers in the specified job categories. Public health nurses accounted for the largest (46%) proportion of health care workers involved, followed by clinic assistants and jail medical specialists (16%), LVNs and dental assistants (10%). Needlestick injury rates and accepted claims filed decreased for HCWs.