Lyme Disease
Biological Hazards | 10-15 min
Summary
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks. For workers in outdoor occupations - forestry, landscaping, construction, agriculture, and utilities - tick exposure is a regular occupational hazard. Lyme disease cases have been increasing steadily, with over 30,000 cases reported annually in the United States, though actual infections are estimated to be several times higher.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Lyme disease is transmitted by infected blacklegged ticks
- Early symptoms include bulls-eye rash and flu-like symptoms
- Untreated infection can cause serious long-term complications
- Wear protective clothing and use insect repellents
- Conduct thorough tick checks after outdoor work
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.