Sharps Injuries in Health and Social Care

Sharps injuries in the health and social care setting may result in the transmission of blood borne viruses (BBVs) such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and/or Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV).

Health and social care workers may acquire a BBV if exposed to infected blood or body fluids. This could be via the mucous membranes (eyes, mouth and nose), through broken skin or through an inoculation injury where the skin is punctured or scratched by a needle or sharp device that has been used in a medical procedure. This final route is known as a needle-stick or sharps injury. Exposure can also occur while cleaning or conducting any activity in a working area where needles or syringes may be present. 

The employer must ensure that a risk assessment is completed in order to protect the safety, health and welfare of employees. The risk assessment must be completed in accordance with the EU (Prevention of Sharps Injuries in the Healthcare Sector) Regulations 2014. 

The Regulations place duties on employers and employees with regard to the following:

• Assessing risks of sharps injuries;
• Selecting appropriate controls;
• Implementing those controls through safe
  working procedures and the provision of
  information and training; and
• Having in place arrangements for accident
  reporting, follow-up and the care of the
  injured employee.

Further Information

• Sharps Regulations 2014
• Code of Practice on the Prevention of Transmission of Blood Borne Diseases in Health Care Settings, 2005, Department of Health