The sharps log needs to contain the following information:

• Date of the injury
• Case or report number
• Type of device involved in the injury (e.g., syringe, suture needle)
• Brand name of the device
• Work area or department where the injury occurred (e.g., lab, patient room, geriatrics)
• A brief description of how the incident occurred, including the procedure being done, action performed (e.g., disposal, injection), and the body part injured

Additionally, the sharps injury log must:

• Include all sharps injuries occurring in a calendar year
• Be retained for five years following the end of the year to which it relates
• Be maintained in a manner that preserves the confidentiality of the affected employee

The purpose of the sharps injury log is to aid in evaluating devices and procedures in healthcare and other facilities to identify problem areas requiring additional attention or review. This log must be kept separately from other injury and illness logs required by OSHA standards.