Incontinence is a common problem and affects people of all ages, gender, cultures and backgrounds. Despite popular beliefs, older people are not the only ones affected. Research from around the world suggests that between 19% and 33% of adult men and women have some bladder control problems and between 5% and 8% bowel control problems. Incontinence products such as incontinence pads are becoming more commonly available in supermarkets and advertised in mainstream media. Many people use disposable products of various kinds to manage their bladder and bowel control problems, and when they leave home they depend upon access to facilities where they can change and dispose of these hygienically.
Incontinence is an issue affecting many older people in Ireland, both men and women. The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing in 2017 found that 1 in 7 older adults in Ireland experiences urinary incontinence and that 25% of those affected experience limitations in their normal activities because of this.
Why should you care about incontinence waste management?
Discreet and hygienic disposal is essential for products that are discarded by people managing bladder and bowel control problems. While hygienic disposal facilities intended principally for menstrual products are normally available in women’s toilet facilities, in male facilities there is often no hygienic disposal bin at all. The availability of clean handwashing facilities and hand sanitisers is also of importance to all of us, but especially so to those managing bladder and bowel control problems.
Dr Susmita Sarma, President of the Continence Foundation of Ireland said: “There is a lot that businesses can do to help facilitate those suffering from incontinence. It is a condition which is often overlooked and which affects many Irish people. The provision of sanitary disposal facilities in men’s public bathrooms would be an important step for businesses to take in order to make their lavatories more accommodating”.
Benefits of incontinence waste management to your business
- Protecting brand perception
- Importance of user experience
- Complying to workplace legislation by
- Providing adequate facilities for guests/employees
- Corporate responsibility regards to waste disposal policies
- Workplace health and safety regulations specifically pertaining to the disposal of waste associated with bladder and bowel products only apply to settings where health care is being provided.
- Employees to feel comfortable in their work environment
- Shoppers to make return visits
Do you need any advice on the disposal of sanitary waste? Please contact us to speak to an Initial hygiene expert today!
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