Healthcare workers deal with a wide range of activities and environments that pose a threat to health and are at risk of occupational disease or accidents at work.
The health sector is large, employing around 10% of all workers across the European Union (and more than three-quarters of them are women).
European data shows that the percentage of health workers who consider their health and safety to be at risk due to the work they do is higher than the average for all sectors in the EU. In particular, the exposure to threats of physical violence and real acts of violence by colleagues and non-colleagues is highly prevalent compared to other sectors.
The risks
The range of risks faced by healthcare professionals includes Biological Risks (such as infections caused by needle wounds), Chemical Risks (including drugs that are used in cancer treatment and disinfectants), Physical Risks (such as ionizing radiation), Ergonomic risks (for example in patient management) e
Psychosocial risks (including violence and shift work).
In addition, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) are the most common risks, but more than 20 diseases can be transmitted through the blood.
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work estimates that there are 1 million needle injuries every year in Europe. It's not just doctors and healthcare workers who are at risk - ancillary staff, such as cleaners and laundry workers, can also be exposed to significant risks.
The EU Directive
To solve this problem, the European Union has adopted Directive 2010/32 / EU. This directive implements the framework agreement on the prevention of sharp object injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector and is signed by the social partners HOSPEEM European (Hospital and Health Association of European Employers) and EPSU (European Federation of Public Service Unions).
The goal is to achieve the maximum possible safety of the working environment through the prevention of injuries caused by all sharp medical devices (including needle sticks) and the protection of workers at risk in the hospital and healthcare sector.
This can be achieved by putting in place prevention and protection measures, in particular:
1- eliminate the unnecessary use of sharp objects
2- supply medical devices equipped with protection and safety mechanisms
3- implement safe working systems
4- implement safety procedures for the use and disposal of sharp medical devices
5- use personal protective equipment
6- carry out the necessary vaccinations
7- inform and train.