Bug Bites, Animals, and Bird Nests on Tower Job Sites

When working on telecom tower sites, employees may face various hazards, including bug bites, encounters with animals, and the presence of bird nests. These hazards not only pose health risks but can also lead to accidents and disruptions to work. Bugs and animals tend to be more active during the summer months. The warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours of summer create favorable conditions for increased activity among various insect species and wildlife.

Bug bites can result in discomfort, allergic reactions, and the transmission of diseases such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, or Zika virus. Common bugs found on tower job sites include mosquitoes, ticks, ants, bees, wasps and biting flies.

It is essential for employers and workers to be aware of these potential dangers and implement effective strategies to mitigate them. This article outlines strategies for recognizing and addressing bug bites, animals, and bird nests on tower job sites. Taking basic precautions can go a long way.

• Wear appropriate clothing: Dress in long sleeves, long pants, and hats to minimize exposed skin and apply insect repellent. Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or other recommended ingredients.
• Eliminate any standing water sources that can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes will help to cut down the population.
• When completing the site assessment prior to work commencement, take the time to identify potential animal habitats and develop strategies to deter or remove them. One of the ways this can be accomplished is to establish exclusion zones. These are restricted areas around animal nests or dens, and should be marked clearly to prevent accidental encounters. Workers should be trained to recognize and respond to animal encounters, and should be aware of the reporting procedures. Wild animals, such as snakes, rodents, and birds, may inhabit tower structures or their surrounding areas. Encountering these animals can lead to bites, scratches, or other injuries, some of which may transmit diseases like rabies.
• During the initial visual inspection of the tower structure, take note of any nests.  If one is seen, it is a good practice to check local regulations, including wildlife protection laws, before taking any action. Some bird species may be protected, and it may be illegal to disturb their nests or eggs.  Bird nests built on towers or nearby structures can cause significant safety concerns. Falling debris from nests, droppings, or aggressive birds protecting their young can lead to injuries and create a hazardous work environment.  Bird droppings create a hazard that may require additional PPE.
• Whenever it is possible, attempt to schedule work during nesting off-season.  Try to plan work activities during periods when bird nesting is less likely to occur.  If removal is necessary, consider implementing mitigation measures to discourage birds from returning or building new nests. Install deterrent devices, such as bird spikes or netting, in a manner that does not harm the birds but prevents re-nesting.

Environmental hazards are ever present on tower sites, by implementing effective mitigation strategies, employers and workers can significantly reduce the risks associated with these hazards. Maintaining awareness, conducting thorough site assessments, and providing appropriate training are crucial steps towards creating a safe work environment on tower job sites. If you are interested in learning more about environmental hazards, consider purchasing the Hazard Awareness through the JHA Process course at www.eSystemTraining.com.

By Dominique Valdez, President, eSystem Training Solutions