WorkSafe launches investigation into Byford John Calvin School’s used needle health scare

WorkSafe WA has launched an investigation into how students at a Perth primary school were allowed to be pricked with used needles sparking a terrifying health scare. On Thursday, the health and safety regulator confirmed inquiries were underway following reporting by The West Australian exposing the serious incident at Byford John Calvin School on November 14. It is understood several students had their fingers pricked as part of a blood sugar testing demonstration to coincide with World Diabetes Day, but it later came to light that the needle wasn’t changed between each use. The school self-reported the incident to the Department of Health’s Perth Public Health Unit, which began contacting affected students to advise them to get tested for blood borne diseases. WorkSafe WA has confirmed it was also notified by the school once it became aware of the risk to students. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, the regulator must be notified by a workplace, including schools, when a dangerous incident occurs, or one that results in serious injury or illness of a person. Byford John Calvin School has refused to say who administered the blood sugar tests or how many students were affected. Health Minister Meredith Hammat declined to say how many students were contacted by her department, or who administers the tests at the school, citing privacy concerns. Earlier this week, Ms Hammat said she had been left in the dark by health authorities on what had occurred. A WorkSafe WA spokesperson aid it couldn’t provide any further details on its investigation until the matter was finalised. Byford John Calvin School had previously said that it was conducting its own inquiries to determine what happened.