RCN urges swift implementation of regulations to protect staff from sharps injuries

Published: 09 August 2012

For immediate release:  Wednesday 8 August 2012

RCN urges swift implementation of regulations to protect staff from sharps injuries

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the start of a consultation by the Health & Safety Executive on proposals to introduce regulations on medical sharps injuries. The regulations are needed to protect staff from sharps injuries, which can result in life-threatening infections such HIV and Hepatitis. 

An estimated one million needlestick injuries occur in the European Union each year , with more than 100,000 occurring each year in the UK alone .  The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has lobbied hard in the European Union for a directive which led to these regulations in 2010. This regulation has to be implemented into UK law by May 2013, and the RCN has taken a lead in encouraging safer practice through issuing guidance and organising joint workshops for health staff.

Commenting on the consultation, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:

 “Nurses and healthcare assistants continue to be at risk in the workplace from sharps injuries which should be prevented. Nobody should go to work fearing that they could be exposed to serious infections such as Hepatitis and HIV simply because steps haven’t been taken to avoid preventable accidents. The RCN played a key role in calling for the EU Directive, and we welcome the fact that this is progressing and that the Health & Safety Executive is consulting on how best to make the regulations work. The RCN will be responding to the consultation in full and will be using a wealth of evidence to show the seriousness of this issue and the benefits to employers if they protect their staff. We would urge individuals and organisations to do likewise. We trust that the regulations will then be implemented as soon as possible so that nursing and other health staff cease to be at risk.”

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Notes to Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses, healthcare assistants and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.