Leaves have started to turn and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes fills the air. That means Halloween is right around the corner.
The thought of ghosts and goblins filling the night isn’t the only scary thing about October. Your outdated safety protocols could be the real monster lurking in the shadows. As temperatures start to drop and pest activity declines for some, October is an ideal time to review, reset and reinforce policies and protocols that keep your team safe all year long.
Key Takeaways:
- Time Your Review: October is the perfect month to conduct a comprehensive, annual review of all your safety plans, procedures and equipment.
- Outdated is Dangerous: Regulations and equipment evolve. If your safety protocols haven’t been reviewed in the past 12 months, they may be out of compliance and exposing your team to risk.
- Training is Not Optional: An updated plan is useless if the team isn’t trained on it. Training on new information and processes is just as critical as the plan itself.
The Risks of Outdated Protocols
From the tools you use to the services you provide, nearly every aspect of pest control work involves exposure to potential hazards. Ensuring you have an updated and modernized safety plan is critical to minimizing risk.
If your safety protocols haven’t been reviewed in the past 12 months, they may be more trick than treat. Regulations change and safety equipment evolves. Neglecting your program can expose your business to legal and financial risks as well. A single incident can trigger audits, fines and even damage your company’s reputation.
Training is as Critical as the Plan
Maintaining an updated safety program is critical. But the success of your new program is only guaranteed if your team is properly trained on the new information.
Are your technicians well-versed in the latest personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements? Do your emergency response plans reflect the most current team roles and contact info? Establishing a training plan that in-body outlines new processes and procedures is just as important to the success of your safety program as the written document.
Make it an Annual Event
Proactively reviewing and revising your protocols shows your commitment to your team’s safety and well-being while also avoiding legal and financial pitfalls.
To solidify your company’s commitment, consider making October your official “Spooky Safety Month.“ Update signage, host a themed training session (with bonus points for costumes) to review new information and invite feedback from the team.
While safety should be a topic of focus every month, scheduling an annual program review every October ensures your protocols are never outdated.
About the Author
Dr. Bentley is VP of training and technical services for the National Pest Management Association. You can reach him at mbentley@pestworld.org.
Leave A Comment