Trying Something New: Safely of course

I’m BAAAAACCCCKKKK! Holy mouse droppings, it’s been two, yes, 2 years since you last read a new blog post from me. I felt I needed a break from this platform, as I was overwhelmed just starting my business management degree (2 summer classes left). Those classes helped me to understand that the universe doesn’t always revolve around what I want or need. So, here’s something for you: a new structure for this blog. PEST MANAGEMENT SAFETY.

There were times when I struggled to find the good in a safety program. Cutting corners was the norm in many jobs I’ve held over the years. One employer instituted a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) program. This is a peer-to-peer way of observing work behaviors and giving constructive feedback for a safer way to manage a task. The concept was there, but after mandating that each employee fill out 3 or 4 observations per month, the program became a “running joke” between employees. It was “Hey, I used you for my observation, do you want to write one on me?” Probably 9 out of 10 were faked. Not the best way to get compliance.

I learned the importance of reading pesticide labels when working for big box pest control companies. Pesticide products are manufactured in a variety of formulations: gels, aerosols, liquids, dusts, granular, and gases. Knowing how to decipher the information on a product label can be the difference in eradicating a pest or harming yourself. Fumigants are nothing to play around with. They have a purpose. They are dangerous. They require hours and hours of specific training. They require, at a minimum, the buddy system when using. They require special equipment to apply. They are considered HazMat. They can kill you!

One set of coworkers gave me the nickname “Safety Nazi”, and shortly after, a location manager appointed me the Safety Champion for our office. They likely did so as a joke. Haha! The joke was on them. They soon realized that I took safety very seriously. I can dial 911. Please don’t give me a reason. A few days after I was bestowed this title, I came up with Wednesday Wisdom, Safety Moments. It was a weekly safety topic I sent by text message to all coworkers.

When I became a solo owner/operator of Horizon Pest Solutions, LLC, I began sharing these mid-week tidbits with some industry colleagues. I didn’t have coworkers any more. Going forward, I will be engaging in some self-managed JSAs during my pest route and happily sharing them with you. There is always something to learn when observing the way others work, and having conversations about the safety of the task can help us all.

Safety is, and always should be, the forefront of every industry, and OSHA regulates workplace safety. If we cannot find a safe way to do something, we shouldn’t be doing it. Here’s to a new genre of Pest Control Chatter: Wednesday Wisdom – Safety Moments.

Cheer me on as I relay the educational aspect of everyday safety in the pest management industry. Be sure to subscribe to this blog and share with anyone who may find value in it. Let me know your thoughts on the new format. Melisa.