KIRO 7
Starbucks workers say finding needles in bathrooms have become an almost daily routine.
- Starbucks workers in Seattle say that they encounter hypodermic needles nearly every day at the chain, and that the problem has grown worse under the chain's new open-bathroom policy.
- Three workers told local news that they had to take anti-viral medications to protect themselves from HIV and hepatitis after they were poked by hypodermic needles while working at a Seattle-area Starbucks location.
- Starbucks confirmed that at least two Seattle-area employees have been poked by hypodermic needles, and that the chain has been working on how to best address the problem as the opioid crisis sweeps the United States.
Several Starbucks workers in Seattle say that due to encountering hypodermic needles on the job on a nearly daily basis and sometimes being pricked, they've had to take anti-viral medications to protect themselves from HIV and hepatitis.
Three employees at the coffee giant told local news station KIRO 7 that they dispose of hypodermic needles nearly every day as part of their cleaning duties while working at a North Seattle-area Starbucks.
Some of Starbucks' visitors have disposed of needles in the stores' restrooms, often in tampon disposal boxes, which are open to all. Then, workers cleaning the restrooms come in contact with the needles - and are sometimes accidentally poked.
All three employees provided KIRO 7 with hospital, pharmacy, and insurance receipts proving that they had been forced to take anti-viral medications to protect against HIV and hepatitis after being poked by needles at work.
According to the baristas, the problem has gotten worse since Starbucks changed its policy to open its bathrooms to all, including people who aren't making any purchases.
"Because you don't have to bother with purchasing anything, needles have definitely increased," one told KIRO 7.
KIRO 7
Starbucks workers provided KIRO 7 with photos of the clean-up and lists showing how often needles are found.
Starbucks representative Reggie Borges confirmed that at least two baristas in the Seattle area had been poked by hypodermic needles.
Borges told Business Insider that employees have been trained on how to safely deal with hypodermic needles and that any employee who feels unsafe preforming a task is encouraged to speak with his or her manager. The company has been looking at how to best address safety concerns, and workers who speak out about risks will not be punished. Starbucks, Borges says, wants employees to provide feedback.
Chains across the US are grappling with how to deal with the impact of the opioid epidemic. New York University's Center for Drug Use and HIV Research found that almost 60% of managers have come in contact with drug use in businesses' public bathrooms, City Lab reported.
Starbucks is in a unique position because, unlike most chains, its bathrooms are not only for paying customers. In May, Starbucks announced plans to open up its bathrooms to all, sparking some concerns about whether doing so could make the stores less safe.
Borges said that while Starbucks does not force customers who haven't paid to leave stores, the company does have some set expectations for visitors. Drug use, drinking, and disruptive behavior are still banned from stores.
"We expect our customers to behave in a certain way," Borges said.
If you're a Starbucks worker, we want to hear your thoughts on the open-bathroom policy. Email ktaylor@businessinsider.com to share your perspective.