often aren't big enough to hold larger instruments. In my view, the
basins actually increase risk of injury. Instead, use a flat surface such
as a tray with low sides, or a specially designed rubber mat. Whichever
option you choose, the surface should be clearly visible and stable.
While hands-free passing is an effective precaution to reduce risk of
sharps injuries, it doesn't eliminate the need to add blunt technologies
to the OR.
Teachable moments
Are you ready to become an active sharps safety advocate instead of a
passive victim of avoidable harm? Document sharps injuries and near
misses and use them as learning opportunities. Keep staff and sur-
geons informed about your facility's sharps injury rate. And take
charge of efforts to promote the use of safer devices and improved
handling techniques. Let's get serious — and let's get started.
OSM
1 2 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 1 7
"There's no good excuse for not using a
safety blade to make that routine first
cut of surgery," says Dr. Davis.
Dr. Davis (msdavismd@aol.com), a former obstetrician and gynecologic sur-
geon, is an operating room safety consultant based in Longboat Key, Fla.
