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If you work in healthcare in the UK you may be
exposed to the risk of needlestick injury on a daily
basis. These injuries relate to wounds caused by stray
or mishandled needles either whilst they are in use or
when they have been unsafely discarded.
A "pin prick" may reasonably be classified as a minor
injury in real terms but there is a risk of infection
and a psychological element to such an injury that goes
way beyond the significance of the wound itself.
Background
It is a well known fact that healthcare workers are
most at risk of needle-stick injuries in the workplace.
Healthcare workers do not only include clinical staff
(i.e. doctors and nurses etc.), but non-clinical
ancillary staff such as receptionists and ward clerks
who may have social contact with patients. However,
these are not the only group of workers that are
vulnerable and needle-stick injuries also occur in other
areas of work such as the police force and amongst youth
workers, who are all constantly at risk.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, the
main risk posed by needle-stick injury to workers is
when the worker is exposed to blood-borne viruses
(“BBV”). Whilst there are certain protective vaccines
available, not all types of BBVs can be protected
against. The most common way in which a BBV infection is
acquired is when a worker is exposed to infected blood.
For example, with nurses and doctors, this may be whilst
carrying out a medical procedure where the skin is
scratched or punctured by a surgical knife or needle.
A recent 7-year study was conducted by the Health
Protection Agency (‘eye of the Needle’). The report
clearly stated that needle-stick injuries were the most
commonly reported type of exposure and the majority of
incidents were amongst healthcare workers. The following
extract was taken from the report and provides a clear
indication of the number of needle-stick incidents
within the healthcare profession:
Percutaneous injury was the most commonly reported
type of exposure 78% (1,664/2,140), with nursing related
professions representing 45% (962/2,140) of the initial
reports and medical professionals (doctors and dentists)
accounting for 37% (793/2,140). If this is compared to
the numbers of nurses and doctors practising, it
suggests that within their professional group, there are
a greater number of reported injuries among doctors”
The healthcare environment must be safe and have a
system in place to deal with safe disposal and handling
of hypodermic needles.
Circumstances which expose employees and others to
the risk of needlestick injuries must be subject to a
risk assessment. The assessment must satisfy the
requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations 1999. Moreover, if the risk involves
hazardous chemicals or microorganisms then the
assessment must also satisfy the requirements of the
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
2002.
If you have been injured in this way - please make
an enquiry with us
CALL 0800 0322210 - if
preferred contact our discreet ONLINE CHAT LINE - or
complete our enquiry form opposite.
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Attention - NHS Workers Are you working for the
National Health Service in either a qualified or non-
qualified role? If you are, there may be a right to
re-claim wages that have been withheld through an unfair
wage system. Speak to our
NHS low pay compensation claims team today
EXTERNAL LINK -
Needlestick safety website
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