NEW REGULATIONS TO REDUCE HOLLOW BORE NEEDLE INJURIES

Released on October 21, 2005

Saskatchewan will soon have the most rigorous Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in the country for protecting health-care and other workers from sharps-related injuries.

"These regulations mandate the use of safer needles in health care and correctional facilities and are a major improvement in addressing the dangers faced by workers who could be injured by hollow bore needles, " Labour Minister Deb Higgins said.

Over 130 groups representing both employers and employees participated in the consultation process that led to these regulations.

During the consultation it became apparent that while there was overall agreement on how to address safety concerns related to hollow bore needles (used to administer medication or collect blood) other aspects of the issue would require further consultation.

"Rather than delay implementing regulations until further consultations can take place, we have chosen to take immediate action to reduce injuries from hollow bore needles. This is important because these needles account for two-thirds of all high-risk sharps injuries and it has been shown that using safer devices can reduce injuries by up to 70 per cent," Higgins added.

Consultations will continue to examine safety standards for non-hollow sharps, such as scalpels, suture needles and lancets, as well as the use of needles and other sharps in other types of workplaces.

The requirements will take effect July 1st, 2006.

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For More Information, Contact:

Nadine Sisk Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-4156 Cell: (306) 535-1930