You’ve seen it before—that distinctive red box hanging on the wall in medical exam rooms or hospital suites. It’s called a sharps container because it stores and disposes of anything too sharp to be placed in typical trash bags. But these containers aren’t only reserved for medical facilities; they are crucial for your office as well. If your company doesn’t already have a sharps container, here are five reasons why you should consider getting one now.
5 Reasons You Should Consider Sharps Containers For Your Business
1. Reduce the Risk of Accidents
Using designated containers for sharps keeps them out of trash containers, where janitorial staff, maintenance workers, or other employees could incur an accidental injury from a needle stick. Needle stick injuries can transmit bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. A sharps container reduces this risk by creating a safe, puncture-resistant disposal system for used sharps.
2. Meet Safety Requirements
Regulations regarding sharps disposal in non-medical work environments can vary by location, but many areas utilize guidelines from organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These guidelines recommend providing sharps containers in areas where there is a chance that an employee may use a sharp, even if there isn’t a specific current need for a container. You demonstrate that you are committed to providing a safe work environment by providing a sharps container for your employees. It also helps to protect your business legally should an incident with a sharp occur.
3. Store More than Needles
We tend to think of sharps containers for use only in medical environments. However, several health conditions require the use of sharps for the administration of daily medication. Employees with diabetes may use several needles a day for insulin injections, and those with severe allergies may carry epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens). In addition, your team can use sharps containers for items that may tear typical trash bags, such as broken glass or rigid wires.
4. Dispose of Contents Safely and Affordably
Many people believe that sharps containers are expensive to install and maintain. In reality, sharps containers are readily available from online retailers in a wide range of sizes and prices. Sharps disposal companies also offer affordable pick-up and disposal services when your container is full. By utilizing a disposal service, you can rest assured that the contents of any needles are kept out of landfills and will not harm humans or the local environment.
5. Foster a Culture of Inclusion
Providing a sharps container shows your employees that their health and wellness are a priority. Employees with chronic conditions that require sharps will feel more comfortable working in the office, knowing they have a safe disposal option. Those feelings of safety and inclusion enable employees to function at their best, leading to greater creativity and productivity.
Follow these easy steps to get started with sharps containers in your office:
- Check local laws: Contact your local health department or OSHA office to learn about specific guidelines regarding sharps disposal in your area.
- Select the best container: Choose a sharps container that fits the needs of your office Pick a size based on the amount of sharps that you anticipate in your office.
- Designate a location: Install your sharps container in an area easily accessible to your staff, such as a restroom or breakroom. Ensure it is out of reach of any children visiting your workplace.
- Inform employees: Create clear guidelines for your employees about the location and use of your company’s sharps Include information about what may and may not go in the container and who to contact when the container is full.
Installing a sharps container and creating a disposal system is a simple way to show your employees that you care about their well-being. Additionally, it will protect you and your business legally should an accident occur. Make the purchase of a sharps container a priority for your company today.
Applied Innovation cares about keeping you and your employees safe. We proudly sell and service equipment that makes your work more efficient and productive. Contact one of our specialists in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, or Tampa, Florida today.