Sharps Awareness

Sharps injuries are a well-known risk in the health and social care sector, but also a big concern in industries that involve potential contact with clinical waste or discarded needles. Sharps contaminated with an infected patient's blood can transmit more than 20 diseases, including hepatitis B, C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Because of this transmission risk, sharps injuries can cause worry and stress to the many thousands who receive them.

With the introduction of a European Directive in 2010 that seeks to prevent injuries caused by sharps in health care, the importance of the issue has been further highlighted to many organisations.

SSG offer this as a 1½ - 2 hour briefing.

Many organisations would find this briefing beneficial including housing groups, construction and maintenance companies, utility and waste companies, events management and cleaners.

This briefing will include a number of important elements, including;

• Relevant legislation
• Needle stick injuries
• Possible infections from injuries
• Indicators of drug use
• What to do if you find a needle
• What to do if you prick your skin
• Accident reporting

The briefing will provide you and your colleagues with the necessary guidance to meet the requirements of the Directive.

Private Courses - If you have 6 or more delegates a private course at a venue of your choice may be a more suitable and cost effective option. Contact our administration team on 01752 201616 for more information.

• IOSH Working Safely
• CoSHH Assessment Workshop