This year has seen has two UNISON successes in the battle to get better protection for workers from exposure to blood-borne viruses such as HIV, while at the same time reducing the irrational fears and often homophobic prejudices that surrounds those who carry the HIV virus.
August saw the lifting of the ban on NHS workers with HIV carrying out certain procedures, while May saw the passing of the new Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013, which transposed into UK law the European Directive on prevention from sharps injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector.
This legislation was a landmark after years of UNISON campaigning for safer procedures to combat the risks of sharps (needlestick) injuries.
UNISON head of health and safety Tracey Harding said: “It is great that we have seen a step in the right direction to combat the irrational fears and prejudices some people still have over those unfortunate enough to carry the HIV virus.
“However, we are also equally pleased that this year has seen better legal protection for health workers from exposure to the HIV virus – but the campaign does not end here.
“We want to see the Health and Safety Executive do more to enforce these new sharps regulations. Also, why don’t other workers – such as those working in waste sector and private nursing homes – get the same protection as those in the hospital and health care workers?
“We want better health and safety for all.”
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