World Aids Day highlights need to protect Healthcare Workers

6.05.19pm GMT Thu 1st Dec 2005

On World Aids Day, Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has called on the

European Commission and individual Member States to tackle the issue of

needlestick injuries at work.

"It is estimated that 1 million such injuries occur in Europe each year,

many of which are avoidable and cause untold misery for our front line

health workers. They must be better protected.

"It is not acceptable that health workers are put in danger when such

injuries could easily be prevented. The number of people with HIV and

Hepatitis C is growing rapidly and many are unaware they are infected.

"Existing Guidance has not proved effective; the Commission must act to

provide legislative protection for workers exposed to the risk of HIV

infection"

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has been campaigning for better protection

for health workers from needlestick injuries, known more commonly as

sharps injuries.

The significant occupational risks faced by healthcare workers from

contaminated needles was brought to the attention of the European

Commission more than two years ago and since then Liz Lynne has met with

Commissioner Spidla, who is the Commissioner responsible for Health and

Safety at work and written to both Commissioner Spidla and more recently

President Barroso asking for an amendment to the Biological Agents

directive 2000/54/EC to include legislative provisions for Healthcare

workers.