When the CDC has an entire page dedicated to these little guys, then avoidance is probably the best policy. If employees are working outdoors or in any area where ticks could be present, it would be a good idea to have an annual safety meeting on how to work safely.
Workers who spend time outdoors can be exposed to ticks in wooded areas, tall grass, brush-covered terrain, and overgrown job sites. Construction crews, landscapers, utility workers, surveyors, forestry workers, and maintenance personnel may all encounter ticks while performing routine outdoor work.
Tick bites are more than just a nuisance. Some ticks can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may spread serious diseases to humans. Because many tick bites are painless and ticks can be difficult to spot, workers may not realize they have been bitten until symptoms develop later.
OSHA Standard 1926.21(b)(4) says that in job site areas where harmful plants or animals are present, employees who may be exposed shall be instructed regarding the potential hazards, and how to avoid injury, and the first aid procedures to be used in the event of injury.
Employers should treat tick exposure as a real outdoor work hazard and provide training on tick awareness, prevention, and proper tick removal procedures.
Tick-Borne Diseases and Health Risks
Ticks may carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites capable of causing serious illnesses. Depending on the region and the type of tick present, tick bites may spread diseases such as:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Tularemia
Symptoms from tick-borne illnesses may appear days or even weeks after a bite occurs.
Possible symptoms someone may experience after a tick bite that causes an illness can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Rash
Some illnesses can become severe if medical treatment is delayed.
Because symptoms may resemble the flu or other illnesses, workers should report tick bites and pay attention to any unusual symptoms that develop after outdoor exposure.
Areas Where Ticks Are Commonly Found
Ticks are commonly found in:
- Tall grass
- Wooded areas
- Brush piles
- Leaf litter
- Fence lines
- Overgrown vegetation
- Areas with heavy wildlife activity
Ticks do not jump or fly. They wait on vegetation and attach to people or animals that brush against them.
Even well-maintained job sites may have tick exposure risks if work is being performed near vegetation, wooded property lines, drainage areas, or undeveloped land.
Ticks are most active during spring, summer, and fall, although in warmer climates they may remain active throughout the year.
Preventing Tick Bites While Working Outdoors
Preventing tick bites should be part of every outdoor worker’s routine.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear long sleeves and long pants whenever possible when working in tick-prone areas.
Light-colored clothing can make ticks easier to see before they attach to the skin.
Tucking pant legs into socks or boots may help reduce the chance of ticks reaching exposed skin.
Wear sturdy closed-toe footwear when walking through grass, brush, or wooded areas.
Use Tick Repellents Correctly
Use insect repellents according to manufacturer instructions.
EPA-registered repellents containing ingredients such as DEET may help repel ticks from exposed skin.
Some work clothing and gear may also be treated with permethrin for additional protection. Permethrin should only be used according to product instructions.
Avoid Direct Contact With Brush and Tall Grass
Whenever possible, avoid walking directly through tall grass or heavy brush.
Stay on cleared paths or established work routes when possible.
Be especially cautious when sitting or kneeling near vegetation-covered areas.
Keep Outdoor Work Areas Maintained
Removing excessive brush, weeds, and overgrown vegetation around active work areas may help reduce tick habitat.
Good housekeeping outdoors can help improve visibility and reduce hiding places for ticks and other pests.
Check for Ticks After Outdoor Work
Workers should inspect themselves, their clothing, and their equipment for ticks after working outdoors.
Ticks are often small and may attach in difficult-to-see locations.
Carefully check areas such as:
- Behind the knees
- Under the arms
- Around the waist
- Around sock lines
- Behind the ears
- Along the hairline
Inspect clothing before entering vehicles or bringing work gear into the home.
Showering after outdoor work may help remove unattached ticks before they bite.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
If a tick is attached to the skin, remove it as soon as possible.
Proper Tick Removal Steps
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward slowly and steadily without twisting or jerking the tick.
- Clean the bite area and hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol after removal.
Avoid crushing the tick with bare fingers.
Do not attempt to burn the tick or cover it with petroleum jelly, nail polish, or chemicals to make it detach.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Workers should monitor for symptoms after a tick bite or suspected exposure.
Seek medical attention if symptoms develop after a tick bite, especially fever, rash, fatigue, or muscle aches.
Immediate medical attention may be necessary if symptoms become severe, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe swelling
- Confusion
- High fever
Early medical treatment may reduce complications from tick-borne diseases.
Tick Awareness Safety Training
Outdoor workers may focus heavily on hazards such as heat stress, heavy equipment, or falls while overlooking the risks associated with ticks.
Annual safety meetings on tick awareness can help workers recognize tick habitats, understand how to prevent bites, and respond appropriately if exposure occurs.
Training should include:
- Where ticks are commonly found
- Proper protective clothing
- Use of insect repellents
- Tick inspection procedures
- Safe tick removal methods
- Symptoms of tick-borne illness
- Reporting procedures for bites or exposures
Awareness and prevention are critical for reducing tick-related illnesses among outdoor workers. Learn more at http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/
The National Alliance of Safe Pest Control has great guides and resources at pests.org to learn more about specific aspects of pests and the threat they present, including common tick-borne diseases that you should be sure to protect yourself against while on the job.
If ticks are a concern for you and your family, consider adding plants that repel ticks to your home environment, both indoors and outdoors.
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