Union campaigns over needlestick dangers

The GMB general union has launched a campaign to protect workers from injuries caused by discarded needles.

Kim Sunley, GMB health and safety specialist said: "Over 200 local government workers have reported injuries by discarded needles. I believe this number doesn't reveal the true picture as local authorities have inadequate reporting procedures."

Sunley added: "Our members put their lives on the line as they go about their duties. They should be receiving more protection from authorities and contractors."

GMB members have come across discarded needles in many places. Cleaners at children's hospitals found used needles lying in the hospital's public toilet and blocking u-bends. Grounds maintenance staff frequently find discarded needles in shrub beds in local parks. And construction workers have come across used needles on building sites and roads.

Last year, according to the Keep Britain Tidy Drugs Litter Survey, over 20,000 discarded and potentially infected needles were found in parks, public toilets and other public areas.

In the last three years 214 people were either stabbed by or injured picking up these needles. Nearly 90% of these injuries were to local authority workers and contractors.

The GMB is calling for:

* a legal requirement for all accidents and injuries to be reported to the health and safety authorities;

* employers to implement safe working practices;

* free vaccination for Hepatitis B and Tetanus for all at risk workers; and

* prompt support following an injury, including 24-hour support and counselling.