Understand the danger

It is estimated that there are around 100k sharps injuries in the UK each year

There is a 56 per cent chance a dental practitioner will receive a needlestick injury each year

Vast majorities of injuries occur after the injection has been given

Costs of diagnosis following a needlestick injury is approximately £6,500

Disease transmission rates after a needlestick injury are:

- 1 In 300 for HIV

- 1 in 30 for Hep B

- 1 in 3 for Hep C

It is recommended that healthcare professionals use safety syringes for a quick and simple way to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries. When it comes to hazardous and infectious waste, such as syringes and other sharps, the producer of the waste will always be held responsible for the safe and legal disposal.  This is why it is important to get the right advice and it is important to work with comprehensively trained sharps waste experts who will safely and securely deal with the disposal and advise the correct products which comply with both UK and EU regulations.