How Can Needlestick Injury Be Prevented In The Workplace?

Reducing The Risk of Needlestick Injuries In The Workplace

Needlestick injuries can expose employees to a number of blood borne pathogens that can cause serious or fatal infections. Everyone has a role to play in the prevention of needlestick and sharp injuries (any object that is able to cut the skin is considered a ‘sharp’).

Employers: 

• Identity and assess risks related to the use of needles and sharps
• Eliminate the use of needle devices wherever effective alternatives are available
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ensure thorough training of employees on the safe use and disposal of needles
• Provide needle devices with safety features
• Ensure the safe storage, collection and disposal of clinical waste
• Investigate all sharp related injuries and modify work practices accordingly
• Establish procedures for the reporting of injuries
• Evaluate prevention efforts to ensure they are still effective

Employees:

• Avoid recapping needles that may be contaminated
• Use needle devices with safety features
• Use the PPE provided
• Follow infection prevention and hygiene practices consistently
• Plan for the safe handling and disposal of needles before use
• Report all needlestick and sharps related injuries
• Participate in all training, refresher training and vaccination programs

Health and safety law applies to risk from needlestick and sharps injuries just as it does to other risks from work activities. Regulations that apply to employers, contractors and employees in the healthcare sector include:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
• The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002
• Health and Safety (sharp instruments in healthcare) Regulations 2013

As with all injury claims a needlestick injury claim must begin within three years of the date the injury was sustained. Our expert team of solicitors are here to help answer any questions you may have and to take that first step to claiming the compensation you deserve. 

Every company that employs staff has a responsibility to protect their health and safety whilst working. It is an employer’s legal obligation to ensure health and safety guidelines are implemented, if they haven’t been then the employer is breaching their responsibilities. If you sustain any sort of needlestick injury you could be entitled to make a claim against your employer providing you can prove they were negligent in their duty of care to keep you safe in the workplace. Call our specialist solicitors today for a free no obligation consultation now.

 Call us now on 0800 028 2060 or click here to start your claim.