Why Sharp Safety is essential?
04 February 2025
Sharps safety is essential to protecting both healthcare workers and the broader community from the risks of needle-related injuries and the transmission of infections.
At Sharpsafe, leading the way in sharps disposal innovation and sustainability is a core commitment. Andrew Lee, director of Plascare and distributor of Sharpsafe, shares his insights and perspectives on the importance of advancing safety and environmental responsibility in this critical field.
How did you start your career?
With 8 years of experience as a pharmacist in hospitals (private and public), community pharmacies, and aged care facilities, I’ve gained a strong understanding of healthcare delivery.
What role do you think Sharps Safety play in the industry?
I’ve seen the critical role of government initiatives like the Needle and Syringe Program, which supports individuals using recreational drugs by promoting safe syringe practices and reducing infection risks.
Sharps-related infection risks mainly affect two groups: healthcare professionals administering treatments and those transporting and treating biohazardous sharps waste, both of whom face significant exposure. Sharp Safety plays a key role to ensure occupational health & safety for aid professionals.
Why do you move towards working with sharp containers?
I’ve always been fascinated by the technical side of manufacturing—how containers are designed, the technology and materials involved, and the process of injection molding. I enjoy breaking things down step by step to understand how a concept transforms into a final product.
Sharpsafe resonated with me because of its legacy and my background in pharmacy. Having firsthand experience with situations where people can get injured by sharps, I understood the critical importance of safety in this area. This perspective gave me a sense of purpose and a drive to pursue this initiative within our family business.
Why is Sharp Safety so important?
Sharps safety is an essential aspect of healthcare that requires proactive attention. According to data from Worksafe Victoria, cleaning is one of the work-related injury hotspots, in which 12% of the injury happens to hands and fingers. Accidental needlestick injuries are a big part of the issue however, by providing sufficient sharps containers in the workplace will ensure that needles are not disposed of in bags risking the health and safety of the workers, recommends Worksafe.
For example, a friend of mine, training as a dentist in a public hospital, experienced an accidental needlestick and had to wait for test results to confirm everything was fine. It was a nervous long wait, and the impact on him and his family was agonizing.
These experiences underscore the importance of creating safer systems and processes to minimize the risk of such incidents. By focusing on innovation and education in sharps disposal management, we can better protect healthcare professionals and foster a safer working environment for everyone.
What is Sharpsafe doing to make it safer?
Sharpsafe is taking a two-part approach to enhance safety in sharp management. First, we are committed to product enhancements that enable and encourage safer workflows for healthcare professionals. Our innovative solutions are designed to minimize the risks associated with sharp instruments, ensuring that safety is seamlessly integrated into everyday practices.
Second, we place a strong emphasis on education. By educating healthcare professionals and the wider community, we empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt safer practices. This combination of advanced products and continuous education helps create a safer, more protected environment for everyone involved in sharp management.
In terms of the product, what is your approach to safety?
Our approach centres on innovating stronger and more robust containers. While the product itself may seem simple, it’s crucial that it is designed to inspire confidence and ensure safety for the end user. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with manufacturers to enhance the durability and reliability of our sharp containers. By continuously improving the design and materials, we ensure that each container meets the highest standards of safety, providing trust and peace of mind to those who rely on them in critical environments.
How do you see the initiatives from your competitors?
We have a lot of respect for the innovative designs coming from our competitors, and we find them to be a source of inspiration for our own work. Their advancements motivate us to keep improving and refining our products.
That said, we take pride in our proactive approach to sustainability by incorporating recycled materials into our manufacturing process. While others are also making strides, we believe our focus on both safety and environmental responsibility gives us a unique edge. It’s important for us to continually innovate not just in terms of product functionality, but also in how we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
How are the vigilance and standards impacting decision making in the healthcare Industry?
In industries like construction, processes and regulatory bodies are in place to ensure standards are met. In healthcare, however, compliance is often self-enforced, with quality and safety teams handling it. This is why it’s crucial to provide decision-makers with the right information to choose products that comply with the latest standards.
As their partners, our job is to assist them by providing sharp containers designed to create a safe environment for those in close contact. Our products help minimize the risk of injuries, protecting employees, families, and the broader community.
Sharpsafe’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability is driving positive change in an area often overlooked despite its potential risks. By combining cutting-edge product development with proactive education, Sharpsafe is making significant strides in minimizing the dangers associated with sharps injuries.
As Andrew emphasizes, the role of continuous improvement and the willingness to learn from others in the industry ensures that Sharpsafe remains at the forefront of safety and environmental responsibility.
With a focus on building trust and empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt safer practices, Sharpsafe is not just improving healthcare environments but also contributing to a safer, more sustainable future.
