Initiatives on needlestick injuries

In December 2006 the European Commission launched a first stage consultation of the European Social Partners on protecting European healthcare workers from blood-borne infections due to needlestick injuries. The Commission asked the Social Partners for their opinion on whether there should be an initiative to strengthen the protection of European healthcare workers from blood-borne infections due to needlestick injuries and whether a joint initiative by the European Social Partners would be appropriate.

As a recognised Social Partner, The European Hospital and Healthcare Employers' Association (HOSPEEM) responded to the first stage consultation and as a member of HOSPEEM, NHS Employers contributed to the response. The key points that HOSPEEM made in the consultation response were:

• Action should be taken to raise the profile of needlestick injuries and their effect on healthcare workers in Europe but further legislation is not necessary. There should be action to ensure that there is more effective implementation of the current legislation.
• Social Partners are in a good position to bring pressure to bear at a national level for better implementation of the current legislation. Awareness raising campaigns, a good practice guide and effective monitoring of compliance with legislation at the workplace level are some possible joint actions.

In December 2007 the European Commission launched a second stage consultation on needlestick injuries. This time the Commission are looking for views from the Social Partners on the potential content of any legislative and non-legislative initiatives and on whether the Social Partners are willing to negotiate an agreement on this issue.

On the 7th February 2008, HOSPEEM, EPSU (The European Federation of Public Service Unions) and the European Commission organised a technical seminar on the subject of needlestick injuries. This was an opportunity for employer and trade union representatives from around Europe to express their views.

NHS Employers presented its position at the seminar and stated that it believed there was already sufficient legislation in place in the UK to deal with this issue and that the majority of the recommendations for actions in the Commission's second consultation paper are already in place in the UK through legislation or guidance. The outcome of the seminar was that the Social Partners will continue to explore the possibility of finding a Social Partner solution on this issue.

If you would like more information on these European initiatives or to express your views please contact Richard.Dyson@nhsemployers.org.