LRD guides and handbook July 2017

Health and safety law 2017

Chapter 6

Needlestick or sharps injuries



[ch 6: page 105]

The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2012 implemented the requirements of a European Directive on the prevention of sharps injuries in the healthcare sector. The regulations require employers in the sector to make arrangements for the safe use and disposal of medical sharps, provide information and training to employees, and record, investigate and take action following a sharps injury. Healthcare workers also have a duty to promptly report any sharps injury to their employer.



The HSE has produced an information sheet for healthcare employers and employees, available from its website. This sets out the legal obligations under the regulations, explains where the regulations apply and provides practical advice on:



• the safe use and disposal of sharps;



• training requirements; and



• procedures for responding to a sharps injury.



HSE, Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 Guidance for employers and employees (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis7.pdf)

Sharps injuries pages of the HSE website (www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/needlesticks.