Among healthcare workers the yearly global needlestick prevalence is 35.1%, which is expected to be much greater due to 30-50% needlesticks going unreported, putting a large number of workers at risk for contracting dangerous diseases and infections. However, data is lacking on how animal care and research personnel experience needlesticks compared to healthcare workers. Our study will investigate needle use and injuries in these neglected professions and determine underlying reasons that influence adherence to needle safety recommendations.

3D-printed personal protective equipment can provide a locally-sourced manufacturing network to address shortages for Canadian front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, however little is known about the harmful germs that can live on 3D-printed material. Certain metals-ions are known to have anti-microbial properties and can be incorporated into 3D-printed plastics.