Abstract: A safety device for a sheathed injection syringe includes a needle guard having a dilatable opening at its distal tip. A plurality of slits are formed in the guard extending proximally from the distal tip of the guard to create the dilatable opening. When the guard is in the relaxed state, the opening is relatively large to allow the sheath to pass through the guard during attachment of the safety device to the syringe. A ring having a lug is positioned over the guard and is moveable to contract the opening. The contracted opening allows the syringe to be used at non-normal injection angles. A cover is provided having an aperture for engagement with the needle sheath and a slot for engagement with the lug. During withdrawal of the cover, the sheath is removed from the needle and the ring is moved, contracting the guard opening.