Waste Management Needle Solutions

Working With Large Recycler To Eliminate Needle Injuries On Sorting Lines

Workers on recycle sorting lines are exposed to needles in waste streams every day, increasing the likelihood that a worker will come in contact with an exposed, contaminated needle. HexArmor® saw an opportunity to engineer a solution for these sorters using its advanced technology and worked with Waste Management, Inc. to spearhead an anti-needle program that has virtually eliminated needle injuries to date.

Rising number of needles in recycle streams creates need for better PPE

Waste Management Inc.’s (WM) increased recycling and sorting demands brought workers in contact with sharps and needles hidden in plastic bottles and containers. Each year recycling workers are exposed to approximately two-to-three billion improperly disposed needles. Exposure to contaminated needles created an unacceptable health risk for employees and the company.

HexArmor® collaborates with WM to develop needle protection solutions

HexArmor® designers worked directly with WM’s safety team to create a series of protective gloves that had the capability to resist needle sticks and punctures, as well as resist cuts from broken glass shards, steel, wire, and wood splinters commonly encountered in recycling operations. The collaborative nature of the HexArmor®/WM relationship led to the development of a mandated hand and arm protection program for recycle sorters that requires operators and line workers to exclusively wear HexArmor® products while on the job.

HexArmor® SuperFabric® brand material technology was the key to preventing needle sticks and punctures from sharps, as well as offering optimal resistance to cuts in a wide range of recycling and sorting tasks. SuperFabric® brand material stopped needle sticks at the point of attack to protect workers’ health and safety. In addition to developing a complete line of recycling and sorting gloves, HexArmor® has developed needle-resistant arm guards, which are now also required in the Waste Management Recycling Protection Mandate.

HexArmor® continues to collaborate with WM on improving current products, and engineering advanced solutions that offer superior protection and extended service in a wide range of waste handling and recycling applications.

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