NHS trust bans metal paper fasteners after worker cut finger on one

Health bosses have banned metal paper fasteners from GP surgeries, clinics and offices because they are deemed a safety risk. Staff at NHS Manchester are no longer allowed to use to the steel binders after a member of staff hurt their finger on one. A memo sent to all of the health trust’s employees said the fasteners are now prohibited.

Instead it warns staff to use plastic ones to avoid injury – and urges them to dispose of the metal clips ‘carefully’. Astonished staff have described the move as nannying. The email sent out to workers said: "Due to recent incidents NHS Manchester has decided to immediately withdraw the use of metal paper fasteners.



"Please ensure that any that remain in use should now be replaced by similar plastic fasteners. The use of these metal fasteners is prohibited and must be carefully disposed of immediately. Thank you for your co-operation." A picture of a fastener was attached to the memo.

One member of staff said: "It is ridiculous. They’re vaguely sharp, like drawing pins and fountain pens. I can only assume that the top brass think that they’ve employed idiots who need nannying through the working day." A spokesman for NHS Manchester said the rule had been made after one member of staff cut their finger but made no further comment.