Will You Be Next?

Volume 20, Issue 1 Will You Be Next? If you compare work in the pest control business to jobs in the mining industry, construction, fire protection, foundries and some manufacturing, we don’t appear to be a very hazardous occupation. At times, this non- hazardous appearance can make us complacent - losing track of the dangers that exist in our line of work. To kick off this New Year I want to make you aware of the top 10 causes of injuries that plagued our industry in 2016. Knowledge is power and in this case, your knowledge of the most prevalent injury causing hazards will give you the power to avoid being injured on your job in 2017 and beyond.

We had 238 pest control employees injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2016. That’s 238 too many. Anything you can do to improve your safety on the road will benefit not only you but also your family and your employer and the driving public. This means you need to work diligently at being a defensive driver ever alert to your task and controlling in-cab distractions (cell phone, hand held, lunch, radio, paperwork, etc). In addition, you need to engage in pre-trip inspections, pre-trip planning, and route planning in order to minimize your miles and increase the operating safety of your vehicle. You are 100% responsible for increasing your chances of arriving home safely at the end of the workday. Now you have the facts. Take control.