Health and Safety for Security Workers
Needlestick Injuries
Each year many security staff are either stabbed by, or injured, by potentially infected needles. The majority of these needles having been used by drug addicts.
Infections including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and even HIV can be transmitted following an injury with an infected needle. The risk of infection is different with each virus. It will depend on the type of injury and the amount of blood contact. For a needle known to be contaminated the risk of infection is:-
- 1 in 3 for Hepatitis B
- 1 in 30 for Hepatitis C
- 1 in 300 for HIV
In addition there may also be a risk of tetanus if the needle has been in contact with the ground.
Prompt support should be provided following any injury by a needle, including advice on what immediate action to take. The injured person will have to undergo a blood test, which will have to be repeated in three months as infection does not always show up directly.
Regardless of the risk, being injured by a needle is an extremely frightening experience and causes considerable anxiety. Support and counselling services should be available.
If you have been injured always report the incident as soon as possible, press your employer to report all injuries to the Health and Safety Executive under the Registry of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.
If you would like further information about the infections consult our Health Issues section.