Needlestick and sharps injuries: practice update

Member states of the European Union have until May 112013 to implement the Council Directive 2010/32/EU Implementing the Framework Agreement on Prevention from Sharps Injuries in the Hospital and Healthcare Sector. The aim of this legislation is to achieve a safe working environment and prevent injuries to healthcare professionals caused by all medical sharps, including needlesticks. This article examines the issues surrounding needlestick and sharps injuries, including risk assessment and prevention, information provision, raising awareness, use of safety devices, training and reporting procedures.