10.05.13
New EU sharps regulation guidance launched
Guidance is now available for new EU regulations to prevent sharps injuries, published by the NHS European Office and NHS Employers.
Sharps injuries can result in infections to staff, which may lead to stress and psychological trauma as well as changes in lifestyle, working restrictions and treatment, dependent on test results.
These incidents account for 17% of NHS staff injuries.
The new regulations come into force on May 11 and apply to all employers, employees and contractors in the NHS as well as voluntary, private and independent sectors, healthcare students and community and hospital pharmacies.
The guidance explains the EU regulations and the implications for healthcare organisations in the UK.
Elisabetta Zanon, director of the NHS European Office, said: “The NHS European Office and the NHS Employers organisation have worked closely with the Health and Safety Executive and with employers’ organisations and trade unions in Europe, to try to ensure that the new EU rules are sensible and workable for the NHS.
“The new EU regulations will help employers and staff to take the right action when an injury occurs to help minimise harm and learn the lessons of how to help prevent injury in the future. It will also encourage employers to promote safe use and disposal of medical sharps, provide adequate training and information for employees, and make sure their procedures are up to date.”
Dean Royles, chief executive of the NHS Employers organisation, said: “NHS organisations take very seriously their responsibility to protect staff from harm and are determined to make sure that staff are properly protected.
“The NHS will implement these regulations to help improve safety for our healthcare workers in the workplace and continue to highlight the importance of safe practice regarding sharps and needles.”
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