What is one common risk associated with improperly disposing of sharps?

Injury from needle sticks is a significant risk associated with the improper disposal of sharps, such as needles and syringes. When sharps are not disposed of correctly, they can end up in places where people may come into contact with them, leading to the potential for serious injuries. Needle sticks can result in puncture wounds that may lead to bleeding, pain, and in some cases, exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Proper disposal of sharps is critical in veterinary practices and other medical settings to ensure that personnel, patients, and the public are protected from these dangers. Safe disposal methods typically involve placing sharps in designated biohazard containers that are puncture-proof and labeled clearly, reducing the likelihood of injury.