As the weather warms up, more Ontarians head outdoors for work and recreation. Unfortunately, warmer temperatures also bring an increased risk of tick bites and Lyme disease, making it important for employers and employees to understand how to stay protected.
Whether your team works in landscaping, construction, property management, forestry, agriculture, or spends time outdoors for any reason, taking simple preventative measures can help reduce the risk of tick-borne illness.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria carried by infected blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). If an infected tick remains attached long enough, it can transmit the bacteria through its bite.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important, making it essential to recognize the signs and symptoms.
Common symptoms may include:
- A circular or expanding rash (often resembling a bull’s-eye)
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious health complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.
Reducing the Risk of Tick Bites
Employers can help protect workers by encouraging simple preventative measures, including:
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants when working in wooded or grassy areas
- Tucking pants into socks or boots
- Using insect repellents containing approved active ingredients
- Staying on cleared paths whenever possible
- Performing full-body tick checks after outdoor work
- Removing ticks promptly and properly if one is found
These small habits can significantly reduce the risk of tick exposure.
Why Workplace Awareness Matters
Many outdoor workers may not realize they have been bitten, as ticks are often very small and painless when attached.
Providing employees with education about tick safety helps create a safer workplace and encourages early recognition if symptoms develop.
As tick populations continue to expand across Ontario, awareness and prevention remain the best defense.
Additional Resource
Workplace Safety North offers a helpful Hazard Alert with additional information about tick bites, Lyme disease, and workplace prevention strategies.
