There have been a lot of questions and discussions regarding safety needles. OSHA is very explicit about its use.
Q: Is the use of safety needles optional in a group medical practice, or must the employer require the use of safety needles?
A: The use of safety needles is not optional and the employer is responsible to ensure their use or provide detailed documentation on the rare occasions when available safety devices are not used.
If you have staff not using safety needles because of personal preference, or for reasons not documented in the exposure control plan, you face the possibility of a fine. The average initial OSHA fine for this type of violation in your type of setting was$1,009, according to an OSHA report.