Lyme disease threatens outdoor workers
To reduce the risk of Lyme disease in outdoor workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a "Hazard Information Bulletin" that advises employers how to implement an effective protection program.
If undiagnosed and untreated, Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that affected more than 16,000 people in 1998, may cause chronic arthritis, heart disease, and/or neurologic disorders. However, if recognized early, Lyme disease in most cases can be successfully treated with standard antibiotic regimens.
Northeast has highest risk
The areas in the United States with the highest risk for Lyme disease are in the Northeast, from Massachusetts to Maryland; the North Central region including Wisconsin and Minnesota; and an area in northern California in the Pacific Coast region. Outdoor workers in occupations such as construction, landscaping, and forestry working in heavily wooded or grassy areas are at increased risk of exposure to Lyme disease-bearing ticks.
The "Hazard Information Bulletin" recommends steps workers should take to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. Workers can help prevent Lyme disease by avoiding tick habitats, wearing clothing that keeps ticks from reaching the skin, using insect repellents, and consulting with their physician about using a protective vaccine. The bulletin follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
OSHA includes a number of recommendations for employers, such as clearing tall grass from work areas and providing tick repellents to workers. The bulletin also suggests that the Lyme disease vaccine might be appropriate for some workers.
The "Hazard Information Bulletin" is not a new standard or regulation, and it creates no legal obligations. It is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended for use by employers seeking to provide a safe and healthful workplace.
[The bulletin can be found on OSHA’s Web site at http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib 20000420.pdf.]
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