Sharpsmart safety disposal devices can significantly reduce the number of "sharps" injuries suffered by healthcare workers, according to a new study.

The research found that the number of container-associated sharps injuries that occurred in a group of 14 hospitals over one year was cut by 81 percent with the use of the Daniels Sharpsmart product.

Designed with Human Factors Engineering incorporated, the Daniels Sharpsmart aims to improve the safety of needle disposal with a number of features, including a larger opening and a gravity-activated deposit tray.

"The features in the Sharpsmart device specifically address the areas and actions most likely to result in an injury and protect against the most frequent accidents," said David Skinner, vice-president of Daniels Sharpsmart.

Healthcare facilities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa now have the Sharpsmart device installed.

A recent study presented by the Winchester & Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust also revealed a reduction in needlestick injuries as a result of Sharpsmart.