Construction Safety Talks

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Lyme Disease No. 65

How This Talk Applies To My

Crew:

Persons whose work requires them to be outdoors, particularly in wooded or grassy areas or near bodies of water where ticks are found, should be concerned about Lyme disease. Lyme disease is usually caused by the painless bite of an infected deer tick, and should be considered a year-round threat. A few cases have also been caused by biting flies. The ticks are found on many animals, including household pets that go outdoors. In the spring, the ticks are almost invisible, but they are larger and easier to find in the fall. The majority of Lyme disease cases have been concentrated in the New England states, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. However, cases have been reported in almost every state. Prevention: If you spend time outdoors where ticks may be found, you should wear sturdy shoes, long pants tucked into socks, and light colored clothing with long sleeves. Once returning indoors, check all persons, including children and pets, for ticks. The greatest protection against mosquito and tick bites is provided by wearing protective clothing treated with Permanone Tick Repellent and using the insect repellent called "DEET" on exposed skin. Permanone Tick Repellent is sold in lawn and garden or sports stores. DEET is sold under several brand labels and is widely available. It should be used sparingly as per the label instructions. Symptoms: Lyme Disease can resemble other illnesses. In the early stages it may be mistaken for flu with symptoms of headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, or fatigue. Within three days to three weeks after being bitten, most people infected will get a rash at the site of the bite or elsewhere. This rash may be circular or oblong, affecting one specific area or numerous areas over the body. The early symptoms often disappear. However, later on, serious health problems can occur without antibiotic treatment. Therefore, if you know you have been bitten by a tick, or if you have any one or a combination of the above symptoms, contact your doctor. Treatment generally involves taking an antibiotic.

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To Remove a Tick: Grasp tick with fine tweezers, as close to the skin as possible, and gently pull it out. Disinfect the area, your hands, and the tweezers. Don't crush the tick with your fingers. Do not burn or prick it, or suffocate it with petroleum jelly or nail polish. Wrap tick in several tissues and flush it down the toilet. Information: For additional information, contact the Lyme Borreliosis Foundation, P.O. Box 462, Tolland, CT, 06084 or http://www.lyme.org/ The Community Education tab offers a downloadable brochure. Or for a free brochure send a self-addressed stamped business size envelope to: LDF One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT. 06103. They also support a Lyme Disease hotline, 800-886-LYME, answered 24 hours a day.

Attended by : _______________ ________________ _______________ _______________ ________________ _______________ _______________ ________________ _______________ _______________ ________________ _______________ _______________ ________________ _______________ The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.