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Needless injuries caused by unsafe devices
Thanks to effective campaigning and lobbying by BCNU members and others, the rules to protect against medical sharps came into effect in 2008.
BCNU pushed for the change because some 6,800 workers in BC health care are stuck by a sharp or needle each year. Injuries from contaminated needles and other sharps devices can transmit more than 20 blood borne pathogens. The AIDS virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus pose the greatest risk. The US Centre for Disease Control estimates 62 to 88 percent of sharps injuries can be prevented by the use of safer medical devices.
"This was a major victory for our union and for all health care workers," says BCNU president Debra McPherson. "Thanks to our members' presentations at public hearings, lobbying MLAs and members of the government, and a 3,700 name petition to the Legislature, WorkSafe BC heard our concerns for the strongest possible rules."
Since January 1, 2008 WorkSafe regulations require employers to use safety engineered needles. As of Oct. 1, 2008 the regulation covers all other medical sharps including scalpels, and sutures.
If you are working with non-safety medical devices, inform your employer and JOSH committe representative. If the matter isn't resolved, contact a WorkSafeBC prevention officer at 1-888-621-7233.
For more information on the prevention of medical sharps injuries follow the links to these sites:
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