NYC Sanitation Department working to increase fines for improper needle disposal
The effort comes amid rise in needle-stick injuries among NYC sanitation workers
GLEN OAKS, Queens (WABC) -- New York City sanitation workers are reporting an increase in needle-stick injuries; a trend the city's Sanitation Department says may be linked to a growing number of residents using needles for GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
"That's one of my biggest fears as a sanitation worker is reaching for a bag and getting poked with something," sanitation worker Jason Leavy said.
According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, 49 workers have been pricked by needles so far this year. Over the past three years, 140 employees have experienced needle-stick injuries.
Department officials said the injuries are preventable and have launched a public service announcement campaign to educate residents about proper needle disposal.
"And that's unacceptable and very easily avoidable," a Sanitation Department representative said in the PSA.
The department is urging New Yorkers to dispose of used needles in hard plastic Sharps containers. Residents also can use an empty laundry detergent bottle labeled "household sharps, do not recycle."
At Long Island Jewish Medical Center, doctors within the Northwell Health system said endocrinologists already educate patients about proper needle disposal. However, they noted an overall 11% increase in patients using GLP-1 medications.
"I think we're coming up against new risks that we didn't know existed and trying to reduce the harm to anybody," said Adam Berman of Long Island Jewish Medical Center.
As an added measure, the Sanitation Department is seeking increased fines for people who improperly dispose of needles.
The issue came as a surprise to some residents who spoke to Eyewitness News.
"That's scary, dangerous and I don't agree with that," said Francis Nunez of Elmont.
"They need to give them something to put the needles in," said Christine Thomas of New Hyde Park.
When asked whether more education is necessary, Thomas said, "Yes, absolutely."
City sanitation officials say proper disposal practices can help reduce the risk of needle-stick injuries and improve safety for workers handling the city's trash.
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