Tina Thompson’s husband, a telecommunications repair worker, came home one day with a used syringe needle in his boot. Horrified, Tina set out to prevent this workplace hazard and improve conditions for those who work underground. The result is the patented Manhole Under Ground Flap, a device that blocks waste, specifically syringes, from entering manhole covers. TELUS Communications conducted a successful product field trial with MUG in 2007 and has since implemented MUGS throughout the downtown eastside of Vancouver and outlying areas. Tina’s invention and successful business strategies have now led to a US launch as well as future plans for international distribution.
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