Champion Safety Newsletter - December 2023 - Champion Specialty Services Provider

Don’t Bring Pests Home for the Holidays: Vermin Control at the Worksite

Construction and industrial work can often stir up pests, especially in cold months. With a bit of awareness, crew members can prevent the spread of rats, mice, and other vermin.

It’s easy to think of summer as the high months of pest infestations, with bees, wasps, mosquitos, and other insects. But seasonal weather obviously varies depending on where you are, meaning there are always risks of vermin. And for many in the U.S., work in the wintertime can mean rodents, especially in urban areas.

For Champion, safety is always a top priority and ongoing commitment. This extends beyond keeping active work safe to preventing further potential issues before they happen. Here are some tips for being aware of and avoiding pests during ongoing projects:

Know your risk factors: Before the job even begins, it’s important to do research and identify the chance of pests being present. Will you be working in an area known for mice? Are you using organic, fibrous materials like wood that could attract insects? What allergies do workers have? Is activity likely to send creatures scurrying from shelter to your worksite? Ask these types of questions early on so you avoid any nasty surprises.

Make your worksite easy to monitor: Vermin will be looking for dark, safe places to hide. If possible, plan to spread out tools and workspaces, making it easier to see any pests that do appear.

Keep things clean: On a similar note, it’s crucial to limit the amount of clutter and garbage at the site, particularly at the end of the workday. This may sound obvious, but long-term projects can accumulate debris over time, so establishing a routine will help manage this task.

Store PPE safely: Boots, jackets, gloves, and other equipment can quickly become homes for vermin. All workers should find a secure place for their gear when not in use.

Watching out for pests is everyone’s job: Every crew member should get in the habit of pest-watching. Inspect everything worn at the site before and after bringing it home, and keep on the lookout for telltale signs while at work, such as droppings, bitemarks, and signs of disturbance.

Crew of the Month

Safety is a top priority for this crew. Their commitment to adhering to safety protocols and promoting a secure workplace has not only protected team members but has also set a benchmark for Champion standards. This dedication to creating a safe environment reflects the crew’s leadership, professionalism, and sense of responsibility.

Foreman Fabio De Freitas and Supervisor Dylan Thompson deserve to be applauded for their excellent leadership. However, let us express our gratitude to each member of this bridge painter crew: all your hard work, expertise, and collaborative spirit has been instrumental in the success of our projects.

Here’s to a year of achievements and to many more ahead as we continue to build a brighter future together!