“Needlestick injuries are a significant problem affecting a wide range of employees, both inside and outside healthcare settings. Employers should not overlook the anxiety faced by employees worried about the possibility of contracting an infection such as hepatitis or AIDS.” said Dr Richard Heron, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine. “We need to reduce the incidence of needle stick injuries by raising awareness, education and making safer equipment available but we also need to ensure that people have rapid access to post-exposure support - including psychological help if needed.”