Starbucks has installed sharps boxes for disposal of hypodermic needles in the bathrooms of its stores in 25 U.S. markets with plans to expand the initiative even more. It follows concerns by employees about improperly discarded needles and incidents in which two employees were pricked at the same store.
Starbucks launched the initiative earlier this year amid growing concerns by employees who end up being the ones having to remove the improperly discarded needles.
Two workers at the same store in Eugene, Ore., were stuck with hypodermic needles in 2018, according to Business Insider. That led to a state investigation by Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Starbucks was reportedly fined $3,100. That included $700 for not providing containers for sharps in areas where sharps were commonly found.