Ansell has developed a new education module called Prevention of Sharps Injuries in the Healthcare Setting to coincide with the introduction of new EU legislation on the matter.

The module is accredited by the European Operating Room Nurses Association and is being made available online to help inform healthcare professionals on the implication of the new directive, which came into effect on May 11th 2013.

Under the revised laws, mandatory measures for the prevention of sharps injuries are being introduced, alongside penalties for those found guilty of non-compliance.

The directive reflects the fact that occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens following percutaneous injuries poses a serious danger to healthcare workers on a daily basis.

Peter Dobbelsteijn, Ansell's senior vice-president and regional director for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said: "Ansell helps reduce the risk of injuries like these by providing quality educational opportunities, such as this new educational course, and technologically advanced protection and prevention solutions."

Last month, the firm launched the Gammex Nitrile Antibacterial medical glove, for use in the prevention of infections and contamination in medical and healthcare settings.