Ucatt issues alert on risks from discarded or deliberately planted hypodermic syringes
UK construction union Ucatt is urging housing maintenance workers to watch out for light switches booby-trapped with dirty needles from hypodermic syringes.
The body said it had received reports of tenants deliberately tampering with switches and sockets and workers being injured by needles when clearing rubbish.
Local authorities, housing associations and maintenance companies should develop training and guidance to deal with the threat, and minimise exposure of workers to diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, it said.
Alan Ritchie, general secretary of Ucatt, said: “Workers who experience needlestick injuries can experience devastating psychological consequences as well as the genuine threat of infection.
“It is imperative that all companies whose workers could potentially be exposed to dirty needles provide training to minimise potential injuries. If an injury should occur it is essential that the company provides advice and counselling to the affected worker.”
