What is the risk?
The main risk from a needlestick/sharps injury is exposure to blood-borne viruses (BBV) such as
Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (Of these three viruses
a vaccination exists only for Hepatitis B – no vaccination exists for Hepatitis C and HIV).
Although there is a risk through sharps or needlesticks, there are other ways to be infected from infected
blood or body fluids through the eyes, inside of the mouth and nose – you will need to consider this in
your risk assessment before you enter any property or carry out tasks where there is a risk of
needlesticks. Dynamic assessment must be made in situations where there could be potentially
needles Other body fluids or materials such as urine, faeces, saliva, sputum, sweat, tears and vomit
carry a minimal risk of BBV infection, unless they are contaminated with blood. Care should still be taken
as the presence of blood is not always obvious.
The prevalence of blood-borne viruses is generally low and the risk of infection from needlestick injuries
remains low and the need for immunisation can only be determined by risk assessment. It should only
be to supplement and reinforce other controls and should be a last resort and managers and
individuals will need to put other suitable controls in place first.
What do I need to do?
X Do not put your unprotected hands anywhere you cannot see
X Under no circumstances should any worker be expected to touch a discarded needle with their
bare hands there are specialist kits available through stores and should be on each van or at
least easily to hand
✓ When you carry out work always consider the fact that there may be sharps or needles present
and hidden
✓ Check WARN information on Yoda for any indication of issues
✓ If you cannot see what you are going to touch, wear appropriate protective gloves
✓ Cover any cuts or abrasions with waterproof plasters
✓ Where needles are found there must be a procedure for safe disposal – there is a sharps box
available in stores to dispose of these safely. Some teams may even have their own sharps
boxes to be able to be used. Please check with your relevant Supervisor what the safest way of
disposing them would be
✓ when possible avoid use of, or exposure to, sharps such as needles, glass, metal etc, or if
unavoidable take care in handling and disposal
✓ use good basic hygiene practices, such as hand washing;
Checklist for Line Managers
✓ Are there any workers in particular who might be at risk of needlestick or sharps injuries? e.g.
gas engineers, caretaking, plumbers etc.
✓ Is the risk of needlestick injury addressed in a risk assessment?
✓ Have you developed a safe system of work?
✓ Has your team been made aware of the risks and been given a copy of the procedure, tool box
talk and risk assessment?
Do your processes and safe systems include:
• how to deal with needles found or reported
• the use of personal protective equipment
• safe disposal
• first aid (including access to warm water)
• post-exposure arrangements
• reporting
• is the procedure fully followed?
• has training been provided?
• has the issue been discussed at any team meetings /1:2:1s
What do I have to do as an employee?
You have a legal duty to take care of your own health and safety and that of others affected by your
actions. You must make full use of control measures put into place by your employer. You should
cooperate with your line manager and please raise any concerns or hazards with them (e.g. needlesticks
found in a certain property etc)
What to do if a needlestick injury has occurred?
do not suck the wound
✓ bleeding should be encouraged, preferably under running water
✓ wound should be washed in warm running water with plenty of soap
✓ try not to scrub the wound whilst you are washing it
✓ Following this, immediate medical treatment should be sought
✓ Report this to your line manager/Supervisor and Health and Safety Team
Further advice can be found here on the NHS website
What should I do if I injure myself with a used needle? – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Sharps injuries – Further information (hse.gov.uk)