The revised Alberta Occupational Heath and Safety Code requires employers to use safety engineered sharps devices by July 1, 2010.
This includes the following:
Hypodermic - needles & needle/syringe combos Phlebotomy devices - multi-sample needles, butterflies Intervenous catheters Subcutaneous access devices - butterflies Lancets Implant port access devices - huber needles Scalpel blades Arterial access devices AV fistula needles Insulin pens
The employer has gone through a selection process that unfortunately did not include union representation. During discussions with the employer regarding this issue we were informed that in a number of instances they will be recommending using devices that are currently being used and expanding the distribution of these devices province-wide.
The employer did not seeking feedback from end users of the products currently being used prior to the selection process. Therefore, it is important that our members provide us with feedback regarding their experience with using the current stock of safety engineered sharps devices so that we can ensure that the employer selects the safest and most effective product available.
A safety engineered sharps device should provide the highest level of protection against sharps injury, ensure safe patient care and if the device requires worker activiation the activation process should not result in injury or illness.
For more information, contact:
Janice Peterson Occupational Health and Safety Officer United Nurses of Alberta |
