Ontivity Resources

With spring heading out the door and summer coming in full effect, we are going to discuss an important aspect of safety that must not be overlooked: dealing with insects. Insects can pose various risks on construction sites, from stings and bites to the potential spread of diseases. By being aware of these risks and taking appropriate precautions, we can ensure a safer working environment for all of us. Here are a few reminders to keep in mind…

1. Identify common insects that may be encountered on construction sites

There is a wide variety of different insects you may encounter while working on sites such as bees, wasps, mosquitos, ants, and ticks just to name a few. Many of which may result in allergic reactions, a disease, or even worse if stung or bitten. Knowing what insects are common for the region in which you are working will help you better prepare for the unexpected.

• Be aware of common nesting areas

Insects are incredibly adaptable creatures and have evolved to live successfully in most environments. However, most insects prefer high moisture conditions in cool, dark environments. Which brings up housekeeping. Proper housekeeping is always something to be mindful of for many reasons but in this case, if done properly, it can aid in reducing potential nesting sites. Simple things like clearing vegetation from the working areas storing the materials neatly in sealed boxes away from the elements and discarding trash daily can make all the difference.

• Wear appropriate clothing

Wearing the appropriate clothing is somewhat broad so let’s provide a little more clarity. Ultimately, we are aiming to reduce the area or areas in which are exposed to insect bites and stings. That is why we strongly encourage all our employees working in the field to wear long sleeves, pants, tall socks, above-the-ankle work boots, and last but not least, wear your work gloves.

Over the years, there have been multiple cases where employees had some run-ins with insects. One individual was stung several dozen times by bees while working on a stealth tower that required medical treatment and another recently was bitten by a tick which resulted in Lyme disease. We share this you to help remind everyone how serious of a topic this is. By staying informed and proactive about the risks associated with insects on construction sites, we can create a safer working environment for everyone. Let’s prioritize safety by following preventive measures, staying vigilant, and supporting each other in maintaining a hazard-free workplace.

If you would like more information on this topic or any other safety-related topic, please reach out to the Ontivity safety team at safety@ontivity.com, and we will get you taken care of.