Further information on needlestick or sharps injuries

This page provides links to sources of guidance, research and information on safe management of needlestick or sharps in the health and social care sector.

There is more detailed guidance on needlestick or sharps injuries in health and social care.

HSE guidance

HSE research

An evaluation of the efficacy of safer sharps devices: Systematic review. Sharps-related injuries carry the risk of serious blood borne infection. A systematic review was undertaken to consider the evidence related to safer sharps devices and their impact on needlestick injury reduction within the healthcare sector.
Research Report RR1127covers the work carried out in the post-implementation review (PIR) to the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations, including interviews, focus groups and online surveys among healthcare employers, managers and employees.

External websites

HSE is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the accuracy of information on sites that it does not manage; a link does not mean HSE endorses the site.

NHS Employers
NHS Employers provide advice on issues ranging from risk assessment and risk management, through needlesticks and waste management, to the safe disposal of infected cadavers and stress.
UK Health Security Agency
The agency provides information and guidance on the most recognised bloodborne viruses in the UK, for example specific guidance on bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers (on GOV.UK).
Safer Healthcare and Biosafety Network
The Safer Needles Network is aimed at those concerned with reducing needlestick injuries and bloodborne viruses. The membership of the Network is drawn from the organisations that represent healthcare workers, such as trade unions and professional organisations, individual clinicians with expertise and manufacturers of the different technologies. HSE is a member of the network.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
Unison