Occupational Hazards Facing Pest Control Workers in Missouri

Pest exterminators are often exposed to physical, ergonomic, chemical, and biological hazards that could adversely affect them, resulting in injuries or death.

While some jobs are generally safe, others are quite dangerous, such as pest control. Pest exterminators are constantly exposed to physical, ergonomic, chemical, and biological hazards that could adversely affect them and cause injuries or death in severe conditions. Here are the top five injuries facing pest control workers.

1. Fall Injuries

As a pest exterminator, part of your work involves working on wet surfaces, which exposes you to slip and fall accidents. Also, you’ll be required to constantly use ladders or walk on roofs, which is inherently dangerous and may leave you with debilitating injuries.

2. Histoplasmosis

According to the CDC, Histoplasmosis is a life-threatening infection caused by inhaling spores of a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus thrives in a moist environment and areas with bat, chicken, and pigeon droppings. When you have Histoplasmosis, your lungs will suffer the most. As a result, you may experience bloody coughs, fever, chest discomfort, or throbbing headaches.

3. Harmful Chemicals

Herbicides, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals are part of your job. Each time you use these chemicals at work, you risk lung complications, eye disorders, skin allergies, kidney issues, and cancer.

4. Bites and Stings

Insects such as bees, hornets, and fire ants are ‘enemies’ you must often go against as part of your job. Bite and sting from these insects can cause painful and itchy swells.  Some people may even exhibit severe allergic reactions, which may require immediate medical care.

5. Electrocution Injuries

Most pests hide behind the wall, attic, electronic appliances, garage, or in the ceiling. Sadly, these are the same places where most electric wires are located, and you may come into contact with live wires. As a result, you could suffer electric shock, which can cause life-threatening burns, organ damage, or even death.

Pursuing Compensation

Recovering from injuries sustained doing pest control may take time and cause you to miss work, which can hurt your finances and emotional well-being. Thankfully, you can generally file a workers’ compensation claim and recover compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.

However, it’s generally not as easy as it sounds. The insurance company will often do whatever it can to minimize or deny your claim. Your best chance of a fair settlement is to discuss your claim with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyer

Have you suffered injuries while working as a pest control worker in St. Louis? At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have helped countless injured workers get full and fair compensation after an accident. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.