SOCIAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL : ENHANCED PROTECTION FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS.

• Position: Brief article

The framework agreement on the prevention of injuries from sharp instruments (such as needle sticks) in the hospital and health care sector, signed by the social partners in July 2009, is on the verge of being given a legal basis in the European Union. The Employment and Social Affairs Council reached an agreement in principle, on 8 March, on the directive that transposes the agreement negotiated by employers (HOSPEEM) and unions (EPSU) in the sector. The directive will be adopted by tacit approval at a forthcoming Council session.

It sets out an integrated approach to risk assessment and prevention, training, information for workers, awareness and surveillance, and intervention and follow-up procedures.If a risk assessment reveals a risk of injury, measures must be taken to avoid exposing workers to the risk, for example, by applying safe procedures for the...