Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - October 26, 2000
"This bill will save the lives of thousands of health care workers," said Andrew L. Stern, SEIU president. "Today's Senate action is a victory for health care workers nationwide."
The bill requires the use of newer, safer devices in health facilities by strengthening OSHA's standard on bloodborne pathogens. These devices automatically retract, cover, or blunt needles immediately after they are used.
"I am happy and relieved, because this bill will help prevent other health care workers from suffering like I am," said Ellen Dayton, a former registered nurse and member of SEIU Local 790 in San Francisco who contracted HIV and hepatitis C from an accidental needlestick.
Dayton and other SEIU members have led the fight for safer needles by winning legislation in 15 states. Passage of the Senate bill marks the crowning achievement of a three-year SEIU campaign.
The bill also requires that workers who provide direct patient care have a role in determining which safer needles to use in their workplaces, and consistent documentation of all needlestick injuries.
An estimated 600,000 to 800,000 needlestick injuries occur each year -- two thousand every day. More than 1,000 of those workers contract hepatitis C or HIV.
To set up an interview with a nurse who has contracted HIV or hepatitis C due to a needlestick injury, please contact Dan O'Sullivan at 202-898-3437, or osullivd@seiu.org .
With 1.4 million members, SEIU is the nation's largest health care union, representing more than 710,000 health care workers, including more than 110,000 nurses and 20,000 doctors. SEIU is the largest union in the AFL-CIO.
SOURCE Service Employees International Union Web Site: http://www.seiu.org
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