BOG STANDARD is a new initiative led by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK. Its purpose is to encourage organisations to provide washroom facilities that cater to men living with incontinence, allowing them to dispose with dignity and live their life to the fullest.
The standard is a crucial step towards addressing the often overlooked but significant issue of male incontinence. By becoming BOG STANDARD, organisations will play a key role in creating supportive washroom environments that cater to the needs of those that use them.
Choose your tier of support
BOG STANDARD is categorised into three tiers. Each tier represents a different level of commitment and support from organisations:
> Bronze: Installation of Male Incontinence Bins, specifically designed for the disposal of larger incontinence products. This ensures men have basic, but essential, facilities to dispose of their waste discreetly and hygienically.
> Silver: Installation of Male Incontinence Bins and free vending machines to provide incontinence products if men are caught short while on the go.
> Gold: Installation of Male Incontinence Bins and free vending machines, and a commitment to supporting initiatives that drive awareness about prostate cancer and urinary incontinence.
Who is supported by BOG STANDARD?
Research into Male Incontinence commissioned by phs Group discovered:
-
78% of men felt anxious about accessing disposal facilities when leaving home.
-
64% of men have not been able to attend major life events due to their incontinence.
-
34% of men found it hard to locate a bin in public toilets when out and about.
As part of our research, we also developed case studies to share more in depth stories from men living with incontinence. The full case studies can be found in the whitepaper.
Peter calls for better facilities to support men.
Peter Jones, 76, from Watford in Hertfordshire was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and had an operation to remove his prostate the same year. The treatment was successful in removing the cancer but left him with incontinence.
Martin calls for better facilities for men with incontinence
Martin Wells, 70, is a former self employed professional, and lives in Burnley, Lancashire. Martin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and underwent surgery to remove his prostate.
Turing waste into electricity
Up to 95% of the hygiene waste collected in phs Male Incontinence Bins is diverted away from landfill and sent to energy from waste facilities via the phs LifeCycle Strategy. The energy created from this waste will be used to power homes, hospitals and even schools. This is standard practice for hygiene waste collected by phs.
Are you ready to become BOG STANDARD?
For men living with incontinence, the washroom should be a safe space. We hope you will consider adopting BOG STANDARD in your organisation, to create safe spaces for men to dispose of their incontinence waste with dignity – allowing them to continue living their lives, free from embarrassment, shame, or anxiety.
About phs Group
phs Group are proud to be champions of equality in the washroom. We champion period equality for all, campaign for male incontinence bins to be BOG STANDARD, and use expert research to ensure our products and services meets the needs of the people that use them – including you!
