NA56-Sharps and Needlestick Injury Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Sharps and Needlestick Injury Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date guidance on the safe handling and disposal of sharps, and the management of needlestick and sharps-related injuries within {{org_field_name}}. As a temporary staffing agency supplying registered nurses and healthcare assistants to care homes and other healthcare settings, {{org_field_name}} recognises its legal and moral duty to protect staff, service users, and others from the risks associated with sharps and needlestick injuries. This policy sets out the procedures that all staff must follow to minimise the risk of injury and blood-borne virus (BBV) transmission, and to comply with national legislation and best practice guidance. This policy is aligned with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), the Control of Infection at Work Regulations 2002, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and the EU Sharps Directive (2010/32/EU), implemented through the Health and Safety (Sharps Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.

2. Scope

This policy applies to: All registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and temporary workers employed or supplied by {{org_field_name}}. All directors, office staff, and others involved in coordinating care activities where sharps are used. All healthcare settings where {{org_field_name}} staff are deployed, including care homes, nursing homes, community settings, and other environments where staff may come into contact with sharps.

3. Related Policies

Infection Prevention and Control Policy – Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy – Risk Assessment and Risk Management Policy – Training and Development Policy – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy – Staff Support and Wellbeing Policy

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all staff: Are aware of the risks associated with the use of sharps and the management of needlestick injuries. Receive training and information on safe sharps handling and disposal. Follow safe working practices in line with client procedures and legal requirements. Report sharps injuries and exposure incidents immediately and appropriately. Access appropriate post-exposure management, including medical assessment and follow-up. Comply with this policy and associated legislation at all times.

5. Responsibilities

Directors The directors of {{org_field_name}} will: Take overall responsibility for the implementation and effectiveness of this policy. Ensure that all agency staff receive training on sharps safety, infection prevention, and needlestick injury management during induction and refresher training. Ensure that risk assessments for sharps use are conducted and reviewed regularly. Support staff in the event of a needlestick injury, including ensuring access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) where clinically indicated. Liaise with clients to confirm local sharps management procedures and integrate these into agency practices.

Agency Workers All agency workers must: Comply fully with this policy and client-specific procedures when handling sharps. Use equipment safely and appropriately, including personal protective equipment (PPE). Report any sharps injuries or exposure incidents immediately to the placement manager and {{org_field_name}}. Participate fully in training relating to sharps, infection control, and health and safety. Follow safe disposal procedures at all times.

6. Definition of Sharps

Sharps are items that may cause cuts or puncture wounds and include, but are not limited to: Hypodermic needles. Syringes. Scalpels. Lancets. Broken glass. Stitch cutters. Blades. Other sharp instruments or contaminated glassware.

7. Hazards Associated with Sharps

Sharps injuries present significant risks to staff, service users, and others. Risks include: Transmission of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Bacterial infections and other infectious agents. Physical injury and emotional distress. Needlestick injuries often occur when disposing of sharps, recapping needles, or handling unguarded sharp instruments.

8. Risk Assessment

{{org_field_name}} will: Ensure all roles that may involve the use of sharps are subject to a sharps risk assessment. Liaise with clients to ensure that client placements have appropriate sharps risk assessments in place. Ensure agency workers are informed of risks and control measures identified during client induction or prior to deployment.

9. Safe Handling of Sharps

All staff must: Avoid unnecessary use of sharps where safer alternatives are available. Use devices with sharps injury protection mechanisms where provided. Never recap, bend, or break needles after use. Hold sharps at the appropriate point to prevent injury. Avoid hand-passing sharps between staff. Dispose of sharps immediately after use into an appropriate sharps container.

10. Safe Disposal of Sharps

Staff must: Dispose of sharps directly into an approved sharps container at the point of use. Never attempt to re-open, fill beyond the recommended line, or remove items from a sharps bin. Ensure the sharps container is assembled correctly, labelled, and signed upon use. Ensure that sharps bins are stored securely away from unauthorised persons or vulnerable service users. Replace sharps bins when they reach the fill line or as specified by client policy.

11. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, when handling sharps or managing potential exposure incidents. PPE reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of injury and infection.

12. Actions Following a Sharps or Needlestick Injury

In the event of a sharps injury, staff must: Encourage the wound to bleed gently. Wash the affected area with soap and running water. Do not scrub or suck the wound. Dry the wound and apply a waterproof dressing. Report the incident immediately to the placement manager and to {{org_field_name}}. Complete an incident report following the procedures of both the placement and {{org_field_name}}. Seek urgent medical advice regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if BBV exposure is suspected.

13. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Staff who sustain a needlestick injury involving exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material must: Access occupational health or attend Accident & Emergency (A&E) without delay. Inform the medical team of the nature of the incident and the possibility of BBV exposure. Complete any recommended follow-up blood tests and treatment. {{org_field_name}} will support staff in accessing medical advice and ongoing monitoring as appropriate.

14. Incident Reporting

All sharps injuries must be: Reported immediately to both the placement manager and {{org_field_name}}. Recorded on an incident report form. Reported under RIDDOR if the injury results in BBV transmission or has the potential to do so. Investigated to identify root causes and actions to prevent recurrence.

15. Training

All agency workers will receive training on: Safe handling and disposal of sharps. Management of needlestick injuries. Infection prevention and control. Use of PPE. Reporting procedures following an injury. Training will be refreshed regularly as required.

16. Supervision and Support

{{org_field_name}} will: Provide supervision, advice, and support to staff regarding sharps management. Provide additional support following an injury, including access to confidential advice and occupational health if appropriate. Monitor the emotional wellbeing of staff following incidents and offer further support where required.

17. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

The directors of {{org_field_name}} will: Monitor incidents involving sharps or needlestick injuries. Review this policy annually or sooner if legislation, guidance, or incident trends indicate a need for improvement. Share lessons learned with staff and clients to reduce risk. Maintain appropriate records of incidents and corrective actions.

18. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or earlier if: New legislation or guidance is introduced. An incident investigation suggests the need for revision. Client feedback or staff feedback identifies areas for improvement.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright Ã‚Â© {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rightsÃ‚Â reserved.