UCATT warns housing maintenance workers to be vigilant of dirty needles
November 21st 2008

Construction union UCATT has warned workers involved in housing maintenance to be vigilant for dirty needles, in order to avoid possible needlestick injuries, when entering or working on properties.

Several UCATT regions have reported concerns that the health and safety of members could be potentially placed at risk. In some extreme cases anti-social tenants have booby-trapped light switches and sockets with needles. While in other cases workers who have been involved in cleaning and refurbishing empty properties have suffered needlestick injuries when clearing rubbish.

The main physical risk from a needlestick injury is the danger of being exposed to a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis (B or C) or HIV. These diseases remain relatively rare and the risk of infection is low. People who suffer needlestick injuries can suffer serious mental anguish as it takes considerable time before they can receive the all clear that they have not contracted a serious illness.

UCATT are urging local authorities, housing associations and other maintenance companies to develop training and guidance to ensure that the potential danger from needlestick injuries is kept to an absolute minimum. This advice should include what to do if a needlestick injury should occur.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of construction union UCATT, said: “Workers who experience needlestick injuries can experience devastating psychological consequences as well as the genuine threat of infection. It is imperative that all companies whose workers could potentially be exposed to dirty needles provide training to minimise potential injuries. If an injury should occur it is essential that the company provides advice and counselling to the affected worker.”

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