EU Employment and Social Affairs Ministers have today adopted a Directive
to prevent injuries and infections to healthcare workers from sharp objects
such as needle sticks - one of the most serious health and safety threats in
European workplaces and estimated to cause 1 million injuries each year.
The Directive translates into Community law an agreement negotiated by the
European social partner organisations in the sector, which employs around
3.5 million people.

Speaking at the Council of Ministers meeting, László Andor, EU Commissioner for
Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion said: "The healthcare sector is one of the
biggest employers in Europe and needles represent a real risk to workers, both in
terms of injuries and increased rates of life-threatening infections like HIV or
hepatitis". He added "This new Directive will better protect workers and their families
while reducing the burden of injuries on European health services."

The new Directive implements in law a framework agreement on prevention from
sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector signed in July 2009 by the
European Public Services Union (EPSU) and the European Hospital and Healthcare
Employers' Association (HOSPEEM) - European Social partner organisations.