European Union initiatives on needlestick injuries in the healthcare sector

From: Ian blenkharn@ianblenkharn.com
Category: News & information
Date: 14 Mrz 2008
Time: 09:28:03 +0100
Remote Name: 86.133.17.12

Comments

The European Union is consulting on legislation to ensure healthcare workers have more safeguards against the potential for needlestick injuries.

The legislation is expected to contain the following measure in particular:

• The use of instruments – such as syringes and needles – with safety devices
• The use of safe and effective systems to minimise the use of cannulae
• The modification of work practices which pose a risk of needle injury in order to make them safer
• A complete end to the recapping of needles
• The training of workers in the safe use and disposal of needles and other medical sharps in special containers intended for this purpose, and in the correct handling of these containers
• The general provision of written instructions and notices indicating the procedures to be followed in the event of an accident or incident involving needles or other medical sharps
• Immediate and effective response and follow-up to any accidental exposure, including rapid post-exposure prophylaxis
• The offer of vaccination against hepatitis B to all workers who may come into contact with needles and other medical sharps
• The recording in a special register of all injuries caused by needles or other medical sharps

The closing date for reponses is late February, 2008. Actually, the cut-off date seems rather ill-defined so get writing!

Every waste management company, professional and trade associate, and Trades Union must write immediately, to make certain that the provision for protection from sharps injury includes also all of those working in the disposal sector.

I have recorded a personal series, soon to be published, of 40 sharps injuries in waste handlers. All of these resulted from sharps improperly discarded into waste sacks or from sharps bins that had been improperly assembled or inadequately sealed. I am certain there are many more cases as yet unreported.

Make you views known, and make absolutely certain that waste handlers are properly recognised and brought within the provision of this upcoming legislation.

Ian

http://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/needlesticks/euupdate.htm

Last changed: 07/31/08