Protecting Outdoor Workers: Tick Bite Prevention In Massachusetts

As summer nears in Massachusetts, outdoor workers face a heightened risk of tick bites—a concern that directly impacts workplace safety and workers’ compensation claims. At ISCC, we’ve observed an uptick in claims linked to tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, particularly among staff members doing outdoor tasks that may include tour guiding, coaching, landscaping, construction, and even forestry. With warmer summers fueling aggressive tick seasons, employers must act proactively to protect their teams. In this article, we’ll explore the prevalence of Lyme disease, its effect on outdoor workers, and practical prevention strategies to minimize claims.

The Problem: Lyme Disease Prevalence In The Northeast

Lyme disease is a pressing issue across the Northeast, including Massachusetts. A Dartmouth study published in Parasites & Vectors found that 50% of adult blacklegged ticks in the region carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This statistic, based on 30 years of research, highlights the significant risk in grassy and wooded worksites where ticks thrive. For outdoor workers, this isn’t just a health statistic—it’s a daily workplace hazard.

Impact On Workers: Why Outdoor Workers Are Vulnerable

Outdoor workers are particularly susceptible to tick bites due to their job environments. Landscapers maintaining properties, construction crews clearing land, and forestry professionals navigating dense woods encounter ticks regularly. A single bite can lead to Lyme disease, with symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to chronic joint pain if untreated. At ISCC, we’ve seen these incidents translate into workers’ compensation claims, affecting employee health and employer costs. Prevention is critical to keeping workers safe and claims in check.

Prevention Strategies: Safeguarding Your Workforce

Employers can implement practical measures to reduce tick bite risks on the job. Here are five key strategies:

1. Education: Train workers to identify ticks, recognize Lyme disease risks, and adopt preventive habits.
2. Protective Clothing: Provide long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes in light colors to make ticks easier to spot.
3. Repellents: Supply EPA-approved products like DEET, picaridin, or permethrin for use on skin and gear.
4. Tick Checks: Require daily inspections during and after shifts, focusing on areas like the scalp, armpits, and behind ears.
5. Worksite Maintenance: Minimize tick habitats by mowing grass, clearing brush, and removing leaf litter from job sites.

These steps can significantly lower the likelihood of tick-related claims.

What To Do If Bitten: Quick Response Matters

Despite best efforts, tick bites can occur during work hours. If a worker discovers an attached tick, follow these steps:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick near the skin and pull upward steadily, avoiding twisting to ensure full removal.
• Clean the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic.
• Monitor for symptoms like fever, rash, or joint pain over the following weeks, seeking medical attention if they arise.

Swift action can prevent complications and support a stronger workers’ compensation case if needed.

Almanac Insights: Warm Summers Fuel Aggressive Tick Seasons

Massachusetts is gearing up for another warm summer, a trend that amplifies tick activity. Historical almanac data shows summers with above-average temperatures, and this year’s forecast suggests more of the same. Warmer weather extends tick seasons and increases their populations, heightening risks for outdoor workers. Employers who anticipate this seasonal shift can better protect their workforce and reduce workplace claims.

Be Proactive With Prevention Today

Tick bites pose a serious challenge for outdoor workers in Massachusetts, driving up workers’ compensation claims and threatening employee well-being. With Lyme disease widespread, outdoor jobs inherently risky, and warm summers boosting tick populations, prevention is non-negotiable. By educating workers, providing protective gear, and maintaining safe worksites, employers can mitigate these risks. At ISCC, we’re here to help you safeguard your team—because a protected workforce is a productive one.