Needle Safety Regulation expanded for the
final time July 1, 2010
June 18, 2010 As of July 1, 2010, the Needle Safety Regulation
(O.Reg.474/07) will finally apply in all workplaces where a
hollow-bore needle is used for therapeutic, preventative,
palliative, diagnostic or cosmetic purpose. In addition to hospitals
and long-term care facilities which were already covered, the
regulation will now apply to workplaces such as ambulance services,
home care services, public health programs, and healthcare/first aid
services in schools, industry and other workplaces.
To assist OPSEU members in
workplaces newly covered by the regulation, OPSEU is providing a
number of guidance documents to assist health and safety
representatives and Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC). These
documents have been prepared by the health and safety staff of OPSEU,
ONA, CUPE and SEIU to help all of our members to successfully
implement the expanded regulation. OPSEU encourages health and
safety reps and JHSC members to use these documents and to
collaborate with members of other health care unions to ensure the
regulation is implemented.
Download documents:
Joint union letter
Step-by-step
process for sharps/needle safety initiative
Sharps/Needle Safety Initiative - Legislation
Sharps/needle
safety position
Occupational Health and Safety Act: Ontario Regulation 474/07
Needle Safety
