Nearly three quarters of sharps purchased by trusts in England in 2014 do not have safety mechanisms designed to prevent needlestick injuries

Nearly three quarters of sharps purchased by trusts in England in 2014 do not have safety mechanisms designed to prevent needlestick injuries, research by Unison suggests. In response to an inquiry from the union, the NHS Supply Chain revealed that only 28 per cent of sharps devices ordered by trusts were safety devices. This is despite an EU directive introduced in May 2013 that says employers must implement preventive measures to protect healthcare workers from needlestick injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive estimates that as many as 100,000 sharps injuries, which can expose staff to risk of blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis, occur among healthcare workers annually.

Unison head of health Christina McAnea said: ‘100,000 injuries each year is far too many, causing health workers to worry about possible long-term ill heath, and causing deep distress. ‘Health staff work in frantic and highly stressful environments. It is crucial their equipment provides them with adequate protection,’ she added.

Most sharps pose safety risk to staff. Nursing Standard. (2014) 29(7), p.10