Start Pill
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of PPE in startups is not limited to health-related concerns but extends to ensuring employee safety and productivity.
- Adopting PPE is now a standard business procedure across various sectors due to COVID-19.
- The new age of PPE involves innovative solutions that include disposable, reusable, and smart equipment.
- Startups play a critical role in the development of these PPE solutions.
- PPE choices should be customized based on the nature of the startup and the potential risks involved.
Understanding the Need for Personal Protective Equipment in Startups
In the wake of the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become more important than ever. Once perceived as applicable mostly to medical and industrial fields, PPE is now a critical consideration for all types of organizations, including startups. From face masks to gloves, and from protective clothing to respiratory equipment, these items play a crucial role in maintaining the health and safety of workers while allowing businesses to continue operations amidst the health crisis.
Innovative PPE Solutions and Their Application in Startups
While traditional PPE continues to be vital, the rise in technological advancements and entrepreneurial innovation have introduced an array of smart PPE solutions. Startups are at the forefront of these developments, working on innovative solutions that range from antimicrobial scrubs to smart gloves and reusable PPE kits.
- Disposable PPE Solutions
Eagle Protect, a US-based startup, has taken a significant step towards enhancing PPE by developing disposable protective equipment specifically for the food industry. The startup’s innovative products such as disposable smocks, aprons, jackets, beard covers, hats, and balaclavas aim at the food safety and processing industry. However, the relevance of these solutions extends beyond this particular sector. These disposable items are ideal for various startup environments where the risk of infection is high, especially in areas where frequent touching of surfaces is a requirement.
- Antimicrobial Clothing for Staff
Aegle Gear, another US-based startup, offers a breakthrough solution in the form of antimicrobial scrubs for healthcare professionals. These scrubs, made with Protx2 technology, control microbial growth over the long term. Besides, the scrubs also feature anti-chafe stitching, four-way stretch, articulated knees, and stretch waistbands that enable greater mobility and increased comfort levels. For startups in the healthcare industry, adopting these kinds of smart clothing can enhance staff safety while ensuring efficient service delivery.
- Advanced Surgical Gloves
Smarterials Technology, a German startup, has risen to the occasion by developing smart gloves for health workers. The gloves offer a higher level of protection using double gloving, a recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO). These gloves eliminate discomfort and impaired dexterity associated with conventional double gloving. This innovation is particularly beneficial for health-tech startups and those dealing with medical supplies and services.
- Reusable PPE Solutions
In response to the increased demand for PPE and the resultant supply chain bottlenecks, startups have started to focus on developing reusable PPE solutions. Novo Health Services, a US-based startup, is leading this initiative with its Hybrid Preference Pack, a portable kit that contains both disposable and reusable protective equipment. Customizable according to the situation’s needs, these reusable PPE kits are ideal for startups with mobile health workers or those where frequent fieldwork is a requirement.
- Antimicrobial Respirator Masks
Nexera Medical, another US-based company, produces the SpectraShield N99 antimicrobial respirator mask. These masks, which contain silver and copper, kill and inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus. For any startup operating during the pandemic, such masks are a must-have in the inventory of safety equipment.
The Way Forward: Ensuring a Safe Work Environment in Startups
Adopting PPE is now a standard business procedure across various sectors. For startups, these new rules may seem daunting. However, with the array of innovative PPE solutions available, startups can navigate these challenging times while ensuring the safety and productivity of their staff. It’s crucial to remember that the choices of PPE should be customized based on the nature of the startup and the potential risks involved. While some businesses may require only the basic equipment, others might need to invest in advanced PPE solutions.
Conclusion
In the current global scenario, the importance of PPE for startups cannot be overstated. It’s no longer an option but a necessity. The innovative solutions developed by startups worldwide provide not just an opportunity for safer working environments but also the potential for businesses to thrive despite the ongoing health crisis. By understanding the necessity of PPE and investing in the right solutions, startups can protect their staff, their customers, and ultimately, their businesses.
