Lyme Disease and Other Insect Risks for the Construction Worker (Must Read)
If you work in an office setting, chances are you won't be getting a bee
bite, a snake bite or a tick bite at the workplace. On the other hand,
those in the construction business work outdoors. Along with the fresh
air, sun and other perks, come the full disadvantages of working in
conditions like tall grass and underdeveloped sites: exposure to
nature's undesirable hazards.
These of course include insect bites. With ticks and Lyme disease on the
forefront of discussion, especially during the spring, summer and fall
seasons, we, in the insurance ranks focus on the topic in regard to
contractors and construction business.
Attention, all builders and contractors: what happens if your worker is
bitten by a tick and develops Lyme Disease? Will your workers comp cover
the related damages? The answer to this is, yes, it can.
Lyme Disease, if not caught in time, can do extensive damage to the
human nervous system. It can also harm the heart, brain, muscles and
joints. The dreaded disease is so serious it has prompted health
officials to issue warnings and cautions about the danger. Likewise the
insurance industry has conducted extensive research in the matter.
For those most likely to be affected, like construction workers - there
is workers comp coverage.
Related coverage benefits the boss, as well as employees by:
• Paying for doctor, medical and hospital
• Providing temporary disability benefits until permanent illness status
has been determined
• Paying for rehabilitation and related therapy costs
• Paying the wages of the worker that cannot work any longer due to the
illness
The insurance industry also guides construction companies on how to
manage the risks of getting a tick or other insect bite by educating
them on:
• Telling workers about the potential severity a tick bite can incur and
how to treat a bite.
• Teaching workers what type of clothing to wear so that ticks cannot
easily get to them. This includes wearing long pants and socks.
• Get feedback on worker allergic reactions to tick and other insects
bite so that these workers can be assigned to areas where exposure is at
the lowest.
• Having a first-aid kit that includes allergy emergencies on the job
site.
A related discussion with an independent insurance agency that is
familiar with the exposures and knows how to assess the individual
construction firm's risks can help you understand the need for related
workers comp coverage even more.
Stay safe and keep informed!
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