Stinging insects require safety training

Casey Prewitt, Sales Manager, Professional Pest Management, Neogen

In many cases, reaching stinging insects can be more dangerous than the treatment itself. Let’s face it, they don’t want you to bother them, so they create nests in elevated or tight-access areas. Stinging insect jobs are not complex, but they may require tools that are often not used daily.

Ladder safety training should be a key part of your technician training. Reviewing proper placement and 3-point climbing techniques serves as a great reminder to rookies and veterans alike. Discussing alternative methods to ladders also serve as good training opportunities, reducing the fall risks and, in some cases, providing more productive treatments. Pole applicators, for example, have come a long way in recent years. They can help technicians apply dust and aerosol products to elevated sites without a ladder.

Getting training early and often will reduce workplace injuries, while instilling a safety-first work environment.