The risk factors for hepatitis C virus transmission in occupational settings are not well defined, though are thought to include the degree of contact with blood or sharp instruments. Needlestick injuries have transmitted many other diseases involving viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms to health care workers, laboratory researchers, and veterinarian staff. Many of these diseases were transmitted in rare, isolated events. They still demonstrate, however, that needlestick injuries can have serious consequences. Needlestick injuries are far too common hazard.
Some hospitals report one third of nursing and laboratory staff suffer such injuries each year.
Available statistics probably underestimate the severity of the problem because many workers do not report their injuries. This makes it difficult to know exactly how serious the problem is or how well prevention programs work. The following tables, published by the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada, provide information on reported needlestick injuries. Table 1 provides data on the type of exposure by profession. There was a total of 626 reported exposures as of January 1996.