By Martin Banks - 9th June 2009
The aim is to give added protection to healthcare workers
Karen Jennings
New moves aimed at preventing over one million injuries caused each year to healthcare workers have come a step closer.
It follows the announcement in Brussels on Tuesday of a social dialogue agreement on the use of so-called "medical sharps", such as needles, syringes and scalpels.
The aim is to reduce the number of accidents caused by such devices to people who work in hospitals and health clinics.
Under the proposal, the re-use of sharp instruments will be banned and new guidelines on their use will be issued.
The commission is now expected to issue a directive on the matter in the next few weeks.
It is the first time the healthcare sector has reached such a deal with employers.
It was formally announced at the 8th congress of the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU).
Karen Jennings, president of EPSU health committee, said, "The aim is to give added protection to healthcare workers from injuries and infections caused by these instruments.
"Today's announcement will give us the chance to launch an awareness campaign on the issue. It is a major breakthrough."
Earlier, EU employment and social affairs commissioner Vladimir Spidla said he was pleased the European social dialogue process was being used to address such an important health and safety issue.
The congress, held every five years and attended this year by over 600 trade union leaders, concludes on Thursday.
