Council of the European Union adopts rules to prevent injuries to healthcare workers

The Directive provides for "an integrated approach to assessing and preventing risks", as well as education for and training to inform workers of the risks.

The new directive, adopted at the meeting of the EU Council of Education, Youth and Culture, gives legal effect to a framework agreement concluded by healthcare and hospital sector employers and trade unions in July 2009. It was also agreed by the Employment, Social Policy, Healthcare and Consumer Council last month.

Injuries caused by needles and other sharp instruments are one of the most common and serious risks to healthcare workers in Europe. According to experts, such injuries occur more than one million times per year, representing a considerable cost to the healthcare sector and society in general [1].

EPHA member, the European Federation of Nurses, has been advocating for the introduction of pan-European binding measures for the protection of both healthcare workers and patients from medical sharps injuries, since the agreement’s inception.

For further information
 The Council Directive

 European Commission Health and Safety at Work

Related EPHA articles
 A Europe without needlestick injuries
 Spotlight on the European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN)