DD just pricked finger in box of used needles at Drs. office

[Anonymous]

DH was at Drs. office with DD (2.5 yo) b/c she fell on Friday at preschool and broke her arm (we went to the ER on Friday and got a splint and had to go to a orthapedic dr. today for a cast). While DH and Dr. were looking at the x-rays, DD put her hand in a box of used needles and pricked her finger. The box was on the floor, very accesible. The Dr. went into panic mode and called the infectious diseases dr. at Fairfax INOVA. DD has to have blood taken now, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

Anger doesn't begin to describe how DH and I are feeling- the box of used needles should have never been on the floor. I know that statistically it isn't probable that she contracted anything but what if she did? My mind is racing... HEP C, MRSA, etc.

I plan to file a complaint with OSHA as this is a clear violation. Do I have any other options?

[Anonymous]

I would personally consult a lawyer. This is very serious.

[Anonymous]

No, the box shouldn't have been on the floor... but where were YOU??

I think if this happened to my kid, I'd be kicking myself... not looking to sue. (I can only assume that is what you meant by "options")

[Anonymous]

Sorry -- not you... but DH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, the box shouldn't have been on the floor... but where were YOU??

I think if this happened to my kid, I'd be kicking myself... not looking to sue. (I can only assume that is what you meant by "options")

Look asshole, I'm not looking to sue- I want to make sure all necessary agencies are informed of the violation. DH was in the room with DD and Dr. looking at the x-ray. The box of needles was right below the X-ray screen. He was looking at the x-ray and she bent down.

I only wish the world could be a perfect parent like you. There are clearly regulations for keeping such items out of the reach of children for a reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, the box shouldn't have been on the floor... but where were YOU??

I think if this happened to my kid, I'd be kicking myself... not looking to sue. (I can only assume that is what you meant by "options")

Give me a break! OP clearly has been kicking herself. Her DD is 2.5...so I am sure the ER visit alone was traumatic enough. I have had toddlers in the ER before and it is a nightmare as it is an age where they are constantly moving....then consulting with dr and trying to catch every vital bit of info while the kids is bumping around is tough.

I didn't get the message that her first thought is 'sue'. It seems she is concerned about daughter's health and OSHA complaint to get them to be in compliance and keep this from happening to another child.

[Anonymous]

OSHA is meant to protect workers. Its mission is occupational health. While very serious and frightening, your daughter's exposure to syringers is not within the zone of interests that OSHA protects -- she wasn't on the job at the time.

[Anonymous]

Dont they have tops that lock? This sounds strange that she could easily stick her hand in?

[Anonymous]

Yes, major major mistake at the doctor's office.

Chances are very very low that she will be infected with anything, but I am super sorry you are going through this. I'd file a complaint and that is it (unless you DD actually catches something). Then I'd be consulting an attorney. There are certainly protocols in place that forbid needles in a box that can open and be accessible to children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OSHA is meant to protect workers. Its mission is occupational health. While very serious and frightening, your daughter's exposure to syringers is not within the zone of interests that OSHA protects -- she wasn't on the job at the time.

OSHA might care to hear given that workers in the environment could be harmed by the needle box not being properly closed or stored.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OSHA is meant to protect workers. Its mission is occupational health. While very serious and frightening, your daughter's exposure to syringers is not within the zone of interests that OSHA protects -- she wasn't on the job at the time.

OSHA might care to hear given that workers in the environment could be harmed by the needle box not being properly closed or stored.

OP here- If not OSHA, then what agency can I call? There is protocal that was clearly not followed here.

[Anonymous]

You need to call the county health board and the state medical licensing board.

[Anonymous]

This is terrible. I can't believe they'd leave a box of used needles out anywhere, regardless of whether there were kids around. Ignore the asshole asking why your DH wasn't "there" - idiot. I would consult an attorney also - not necessarily to sue, but to figure out what protocol was abandoned here. There are plenty who specialize in healthcare fields. I'd also maybe try to talk to an infectious disease specialist to see if there are symptoms you should watch for (though I'm SURE it's nothing). Would these have been needles used on kids or adults? You didn't mention if the specialist only sees kids.

So sorry you are going through this!

[Anonymous]

I work in a medical office where we do procedures and have very large sharps containers that are meant to be on the floor so I don't think there was any broken protocol by having a sharps box on the floor.

Sorry your DD got a needle prick!

[Anonymous]

RN here, sharps boxes can be wall mounted or on the floor depending on the style of the sharps disposal unit. A sharps box on the floor doesn't constitute a violation unless there was no lid on the box. I am guessing the child put her hand through the disposal opening in the lid? A sharps container can not be too high, as that poses risks in sharps disposal as well. I am sorry that this happened to your DD. They get into things in an instant, it is impossible to watch there every move!