New Shift Briefing on Syringes in Parks

The opioid abuse epidemic has also given rise to an increased hazard of parks and recreation workers coming upon syringes in the town’s parks and playgrounds. When workers find a syringe, they have two options: picking it up and discarding it themselves, or notifying another agency to respond, pick up the syringe, and dispose of it. Both options require educating workers on which option is to be employed in their organization. The MSI has posted a new Shift Briefing, Disposal of Improperly Discarded Syringes.

Employers are also reminded to assess whether finding syringes in their parks is a reasonable hazard and verify that a policy is included in their Bloodborne Pathogen Program if needed.