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Cementing Sharps Safety in the European Union: The Importance of Complying with the 2010 EU Council Directive on Sharps Injury Prevention

Abstract

Alexander Alonso

The EU Directive on Sharps Injury Prevention in the Healthcare and Hospital Sector (Council Directive 2010/32/EU came into force in all EU member states on 11th May 2013. To ensure its success it is important that all medical and surgical personnel across Europe are aware of, and comply with, the legislation that has come into force as a result. This article discusses the impact that sharps injuries can have on a healthcare worker and their employer, the requirements of the EU Directive, as well as the best practices that healthcare organisations should adopt in order to create a safe working environment for their staff.