An employee at a NJ surgical center who was stuck with a contaminated needle was not counseled about what to do in the wake of the injury, was not tested in a timely manner for disease and was not provided with appropriate medicine to help him avoid contracting a disease, according to OSHA inspectors, who have cited the Health East Ambulatory Surgical Center for 10 serious violations.

"If an employee is stuck with a needle, they must be afforded appropriate follow-up medical care to minimize any potential effect," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's area office in Hasbrouck Heights.

OSHA’s intervention was prompted by a complaint about conditions at the company’s Englewood facility. Health East Ambulatory Surgical Center, which is registered as CTO Management LLC, faces $68,000 in proposed penalties. The company provides service for a wide spectrum of specialties, including same-day surgery, home nurse care and laboratory services.

More information on bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html.