Health fears for 'needled' Sussex binmen (From The Argus)
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Health fears for 'needled' Sussex binmen
2:40pm Thursday 26th July 2012 in News By Ben James
Two binmen face an anxious wait to discover whether they have contracted HIV or hepatitis after accidentally pricking themselves on needles.
The pair will undergo 24 weeks of medical and blood tests after residents in Bognor and Barnham dumped hypodermic needles in black binbags.
Biffa, the refuse company contracted by Arun District Council to collect waste in the area, yesterday (July 25) called on people to be more considerate and to take care when disposing of sharp items such as needles, broken glass and pottery.
Arun depot manager Laura Parker said: “Needle sticks are a very real danger to my staff.
“They wear gloves and ballistic nylon trousers but those won’t stop a needle stick.
“The workers now face a really worrying six months of medical tests – and all because someone carelessly put needles in their black bag.”
Potentially fatal
The two men were taken straight to hospital after the separate incidents.
At worst the injuries could transmit diseases such as potentially fatal hepatitis and HIV.
Biffa claims that there has been an increase in instances of needles, broken glass and knives being incorrectly disposed of in refuse bins.
Two other workers recently cut their hands when they picked up bin bags containing broken glass and pottery.
Ms Parker added that in such cases residents would be contacted.
She said binmen could choose not to collect rubbish from particular addresses in future if they felt it necessary.
A free needle collection service is provided by Arun District Council for residents wanting to get rid of hypodermic needles safely.
Biffa recommends that homeowners wanting to dispose of broken glass, pottery or knives wrap them in paper or cardboard first.
Paul Dendle, the council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “Needles or any other sharp objects in sacks are dangerous, and the council supports Biffa’s appeal to residents to please exercise care and good judgement.”
Comments(4)
Alan G Skinner
says...
6:35pm Thu 26 Jul 12
The Gnome
says...
1:22am Fri 27 Jul 12
Thumper Hove
says...
2:52pm Fri 27 Jul 12
1. The HIV virus is very fragile and can only exist outside the body for a couple of minutes or so.
2. Consequently, there has NEVER been a case worldwide of someone being infected with the HIV virus from a discarded needle. The only infections have been to doctors and nurses who accidentally pierce their skin with a needle when say taking blood - even this is incredibly rare (I think the last time this happened was in 1999).
3. Even if a HIV test was required, results can now be accurately given in a month - there isn't a need for the six months of testing suggested - (however there is still a risk to the workers from Hepatitus which may require more lengthy testing)
4. If someone is at even the slightest risk of HIV infection, they can be given a course of PEP drugs which can prevent HIV infection taking hold.
It is misleading for reporters to be running such an inaccurate story which plays on people's fear of HIV and the stigma surrounding the disease. The National AIDS Trust website has some excellent (free) guidelines for journalists so that they can write accurate and informed stories.
Unfortunately, despite years of trying to get reporters to write accurate statements, it appears the facts around HIV are still not being learnt and scaremongering myths are still being reported as 'truths'.
Sussex jim says...
6:13pm Thu 26 Jul 12
A message to all users of dodgy items:
Take them with you, and dispose of them sensibly.