Toolbox Talk - Bug Protection
Beautiful Maine.
This week at Pine Energy our toolbox talk is about bug protection.
In these beautiful spring and summer months, we’re outside in good weather. The mood is positive, and the production is moving. And of course, bugs and other critters are also moving. Most of the time they're a nuisance. Sometimes they're a hazard.
Mosquitoes and ticks can carry illness. Bees, wasps, and hornets can cause serious reactions. Horse flies, spiders, and ants add to the list. And… snakes! For anyone with an allergy, a sting or bite can become a medical emergency quickly.
Here’s what we covered:
1) Apply EPA-approved insect repellent before work begins and reapply throughout the day. Products with DEET or Picaridin are effective against mosquitoes and ticks. Wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and light-colored clothing. Light colors make it easier to spot ticks. Permethrin-treated clothing provides additional protection, but permethrin is never applied directly to skin.
2) Before starting work, inspect the area. Look for nests. Bees, wasps, and hornets are more aggressive when disturbed. If you find a nest, report it. Don't handle it yourself.
3) Exercise caution when reaching into areas with limited visibility. Under rocks, around debris, near vegetation. In the racking of ground mount projects! Bugs, snakes, and other critters love the little metal crevices. Shady and safe.
4) Check your clothing and exposed skin regularly for ticks throughout the day and again at the end of your shift. A tick that's been attached for less than 24 hours is far less likely to transmit illness than one that's been there longer.
5) If you're bitten or stung, report it immediately. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness, seek medical attention right away.
6) Keep the work area clean. Dispose of food, drink containers, and trash properly. Insects are attracted to what we leave behind.
Little nuisances can cause big trouble. We’re paying attention.