Barroso must act to protect frontline Health Workers

12.00.00am GMT Tue 15th Nov 2005

As the European Commission today presented its 2006 work programme to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Liz Lynne MEP, Lib Dem Employment Spokesperson and Member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, urged President Barroso to tackle the issue of needlestick injuries at work.

"It is estimated that 1 million such injuries occur in Europe each year, many of which are avoidable and cause untold misery for our front line health workers, they must be better protected.

"It is not acceptable that health workers are put in danger when it could easily be prevented. The number of people with Hepatitis C is growing rapidly and many are unaware they are infected.

"Existing Guidance has not proved effective; the Commission must act to provide legislative protection for workers exposed to these risks"

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has been campaigning for better protection for health workers from needlestick injuries, known more commonly as sharps injuries.

The significant occupational risks faced by healthcare workers from contaminated needles was brought to the attention of the European Commission more than two years ago and since then Liz Lynne has met with Commissioner Spidla, who is the Commission spokesperson for Health and Safety at work and written to both Commissioner Spidla and more recently President Barroso asking for an amendment to existing legislation to include legislative provisions for Healthcare workers.