Used needles a hidden hazard for janitorial workers: tip sheet

Tumwater, WA — Janitorial workers can be exposed to needlesticks and should be aware of potential danger spots, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries says in a new tip sheet.

Needles can be found anywhere, Washington L&I notes, but bathroom spaces around fixtures such as toilets and sinks should be considered potential hazard areas. Needles are often disposed of in trash cans and can be found in bathroom stalls and under toilet paper or paper towel dispensers.

Janitors can avoid the dangers of needlesticks by looking before reaching into any hard-to-see areas, using tools to reach into areas where vision is limited, reaching into trash bags or bins only when wearing puncture-resistant gloves, and never handling needles with bare hands.

If a janitorial worker is stuck by a needle at work, they should:

• Seek medical attention and tell their health care provider the injury occurred on the job.
• Fill out a workers’ compensation claim with the medical professional who provides care.
• Inform their employer about the incident.