Needle found in ladies' room

CarolL1999

I think we need a folder for "questions that don't fit anywhere"

My facilities manager just brought me something that the cleaners have found in the ladies' room a couple of times over the past week or so. It's not a standard needle; it looks like a cap to something, about the size of a toothpaste tube cap, but inside of it is a needle afixed to the center about 1/2 " long. It looks like it would have been used to puncture a tube , but it looks more medical than supply-related.

One of the cleaners picked one up and punctured herself and went to the doctor's. I assume they will use more care in handling objects in future, but I obviously want to prevent this happening again. My question is.. what to do? I'm inclined to post something in the ladies' room, but am stymied as to what to say. "Please dispose of your needles properly" cuts to the chase but doesn't seem like the right message when it will be read by staff and visitors alike.

Thoughts?

Cheryl S SPHR

In some public restrooms, you will find a sharps container for the disposal of needles used for medical purposes. Perhaps you can install one with the appropriate instructions. Training your cleaning staff on disposal may also be appropriate. You should consider filing a FRI on the employee with the needle stick.

CarolL1999

Thanks, Cheryl, that is very helpful. The cleaner referenced is an employee of a firm we contract with, so I'm guessing they have their own procedures in place.