INSURANCE MANAGEMENT

Prepare Your Workforce For Winter

By Gamble Cuce

The winter season is quickly approaching, and with it comes potentially dangerous weather conditions in much of the country. This poses a threat not only to pest management professionals (PMPs) in the field, but also to their workplaces. From icy walkways to falling objects, PMPs face a plethora of new and increased risks in the winter months. As such, the pest control industry should consider workplace safety and make it a top priority to avoid an injured workforce and costly workers’ compensation claims.

Throughout the winter season, the pest control industry sees an increase in workers’ compensation claims related to slip, trip and falls; illness due to cold and flu season; and motor vehicle accidents. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 20,000 people suffer snow- or ice-related injuries each year.

While certain incidents are unavoidable, there are steps PMPs can take to prepare for and mitigate their risks before winter hits its peak:

• Slip, Trip and Fall and Cold Stress: Ensure all technicians are equipped with tools such as an ice scraper and deicer to clear snow, ice and debris from their vehicles or physical property that could be dangerous. Technicians should also be trained on how to be aware of their surroundings; what to look for in the field, including winter advisories and black ice; and how to communicate closures and hazardous environments to operators and clients when projects cannot be completed.
  
  In addition to limiting slips, trips and falls, technicians need to know how to advocate for their own safety in the field when it comes to cold stress. If there is any potential that technicians might work outdoors or in areas without heat or proper insulation, they must be trained to recognize the signs of cold stress.

• Illness: Technicians are often in close quarters with clients and colleagues, meaning during the winter season the threat of contracting and spreading illness is high. All technicians should practice thorough sanitation and disinfecting processes, and have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves. Additionally, technicians should be encouraged to communicate with colleagues and clients when they are not feeling well, to limit the spread of any potential illness.

• Motor vehicle Incidents: Before winter gets into full swing, pest control companies should implement winter weather guidelines on all their vehicles. These parameters could include operational checks on the vehicles, winter weather gear checklists and more. Technicians should also be trained on safe winter driving practices. These include increased following distance and lowering speed when necessary, as well as the importance of defensive driving on the road.

Before the winter weather conditions become challenging, the pest control industry should ensure technicians are set up for success. Along with the threat to the safety and well-being of employees, workers’ compensation claims can cost PMPs a significant amount of money upfront and in business interruption while an employee recovers. Taking this proactive approach to winter season safety offers PMPs peace of mind — and an improved focus on serving clients.