Protocols for prevention of tick-borne illnesses in the workplace
New podcast episode on Looking at Lyme has an interview with Jordan Tesluk on workplace safety.
“I really urge employers to make sure they’re recognizing tick-borne illness…I recommend that they research this topic, that they ensure that they’re talking to their workers about it, and providing them with updated and current educational materials, and that they’re educating their workers about preventative steps they can take – the type of clothing, the types of self care and hygiene routines, and educating them about being able to identify ticks based upon species, being knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of Lyme, and collecting information about where they can go for more help should questions arise.”
Jordan Tesluk
Jordan Tesluk is the Forestry Safety Advocate for silviculture and consultant forestry in British Columbia, and conducts SAFE Companies audits under the BC SAFE Companies Program and Alberta Partners in Injury Reduction.
His advocacy role involves meeting with employers to assist them in locating and adapting resources to improve health and safety in their workplaces. This work is supported by the BC Safe Forestry Program and covers topics that include preventing illness at work, implementing ergonomics and injury prevention programs, preventing sexual harassment, and developing leadership training standards.
Jordan has provided consultation and research services to the BC Forest Safety Council, the Western Forestry Contractors’ Association, and the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association. He also worked at the University of British Columbia, conducting research under the Future Forest Ecosystem Science Council, Genome BC, and the UBC Core for Neuroethics.
“A lot of people are unaware of the options for (tick) testing, and that includes people in the workplace as well as people within the healthcare industry. So I think making people aware of the options is the first starting point…also what employers could potentially consider is having an agreement to just pay for all potential suspected infected ticks…I think that’s a small investment for the potential pay off.”
Jordan Tesluk
“Any time you leave a health and safety protocol up to an individual…you’re inviting inconsistency. If the employer says this is to be part of our standard protocol, it’s more likely it’s going to be done…this will have the beneficial effect of educating the workers themselves about the options.”
Jordan Tesluk
