Needle protection may be improved

The European Parliament has voted to improve existing laws protecting workers from needlestick injuries.

In July MEPs adopted a report on needlesticks by 465 votes to 18, calling on the European Commission to propose changes to the biological agents directive within three months.

Every year around a million workers in Europe suffer injuries, including HIV and hepatitis infection, from used surgical needles. The report calls for the use of safer needles together with regular training and organisational measures.