Needlestick Injuries National & EU Developments ANNETTE KENNEDY President European Federation of Nurses Associations & Director of Professional Development Irish Nurses Organisation 22 nd April 2006 National Needlestick Conference 2006
Why we need EU Action?
1 million needlestick injuries are suffered by healthcare workers each year (est.)
12 – 30% of incidents per 100 beds per year 60 – 80% of incidents unreported > 60% could be avoided
Germany 1 out of 15 incidents involves Hepatitis C positive patients 500,000 needlestick injuries per annum = 32,000 healthcare workers exposed to Hepatitis C
RCN (2000) 9 out of 10 (90%) nurses use needles or sharps in work 1 out of 3 (35%) exposed to sharps injury
Safety and Health of Workers: EU Directive 89/391 Work Equipment: EU Directive 89/655 Biological Agents: EU Directive 2000/54
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work FACTS 29 ISSN Eliminate use of needles (where possible) Use devices with safety features Improve work practice Training & Education
Legal requirements versus Non legal requirements Examples: US, Spain, Brussels Vs Germany, UK, France
EU Campaign for Legislation
Solutions National Interpretation & Implementation of Current Legislation& Guidelines Medical Devices with shielding
Cost of Prevention Vs Cost of Treatment
Key Messages National – Action EU - Action
Cost is not an excuse for employers to avoid implementing measures to protect healthcare workers from avoidable occupational injury