CD244 - Consultation on proposed regulations to implement Council Directive 2010/32/EU on preventing sharps injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector

This consultation sets out HSE’s proposals to introduce new regulations that are provisionally titled The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013. These regulations are required under European Council Directive 2010/32/EU on the prevention of sharps injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector.

The new regulations will require employers in the healthcare sector to introduce arrangements for the safe use and disposal of medical sharps, to provide information and training to employees, and to record, investigate and take action following a sharps injury. The regulations will also introduce a duty on healthcare workers to promptly report any sharps injury to their employer.

The consultation seeks views on:

• whether the proposed regulations enable healthcare businesses and workers to identify what they need to do
• the initial assessment of the costs and benefits of the proposed changes
• how the regulations should be supported by guidance and who is best placed to provide that guidance

View the consultative document.

Respond to the consultation using the online questionnaire or download a form to complete.

Update January 2013

• An analysis of the responses to the public consultation is now available.