There are 40,000 reported needlestick injuries in the NHS each year (source NHS Employers). It is estimated that the same number again go unreported. This figure doesn’t include care workers, veterinary workers, private health/beauticians etc. The risk of a needlestick injury is high. The best policy is to take all steps you possibly can to avoid such and injury.
- Avoid the use of needles where safe and effective alternatives are available.
- Help your employer select and evaluate devices with safety features that reduce the risk of needlestick injury. Use devices with safety features provided by your employer.
- Avoid recapping needles.
- Plan for safe handling and disposal of needles before using them.
- Promptly dispose of used needles in appropriate sharps disposal containers.
- Report all needlestick and sharps-related injuries promptly to ensure that you receive appropriate follow up care.
- Tell your employer about any needlestick hazards you observe.
- Participate in training related to infection prevention.
- Get a hepatitis B vaccination.
This advice comes from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (USA)
Needlestick injury prevention developments
The majority of needlestick injuries occur within two minutes of the needle being withdrawn from the patient while the needle is still bare and exposed, and the chance of infection is at its highest.
To counter the mental, physical and socio-economic problems that arise from such incidents medical suppliers are always looking for improvements in ways of reducing the chance of pin-prick punctures from hypodermics, needlesticks and other sharps.
Bringing Your Needlestick Claim
If in the past three years, you have sustained a needlestick injury that required you to undergo blood tests then you may be able to claim for the stress and worry caused by the incident. You don’t have to have contracted a blood-borne virus (BBV) to make a claim for compensation.
The most common form of sharps injury is because of incorrect disposal. It may be that a colleague has placed a sharp in the wrong container or waste bin or that the needle was incorrectly wrapped after use. Whatever the cause, you are entitled to claim compensation and damages for your injuries and losses.
If you have had a needlestick injury you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and losses.
To find out how we can help claim the compensation you deserve, contact us now.
We can deal with your claim on a No Win-No Fee basis so that if your claim fails you won’t pay us a penny for the work we have done on your behalf.
