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#1 Posted : 03 August 2007 14:17:00(UTC)
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Posted By rsellars
the company i work for operates 24/7 and at night in the operations office black bug regularly fall onto the floor and occasionally onto the girls in the office. I think they are coming in through the light fittings. complaints have been put in to no avail and it getting to the point where on of the girls is thinking about quitting as she has a paranoia verging on hysteria about bugs. can anyone point me towards the right legislation to kick senior management into action please.
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#2 Posted : 03 August 2007 14:28:00(UTC)
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Posted By Tony abc jprhdnMurphy
First point to be made is that the bugs should be inducted prior to entrance into the work environment.

Secondly should the bugs decide to undertake a work activity (carrying food, looking for pieces of fluff to build a nest etc) they should carry a risk assessment and possibly look to wear PPE.

Thirdly bugs regularly collect around electrical equipment for warmth so this needs to be tested and maintained as required.

Lastly if the bugs are working at night suitable and sufficient lighting needs to be provided together with adequate welfare facilities
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#3 Posted : 03 August 2007 14:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By mrs.seed
The poster was looking for legislation so the Workplace (Health safety and welfare) (ammendments for equal treament of bugs)regulations 1992 will do it.

P.S. what do the bugs think of the girls?
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#4 Posted : 03 August 2007 14:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson
depends on the bug!

There are a lot of flying ants at the moment and these should be gone in a couple of days.

Alternatively you can use fly spray as this will kill them or a pest control company can do it.

If there is NO POTENTIAL for the bug to spread disease or do anything nasty them I don't think there is a lot you can do from a legal point.

It may be worthwhile trying to ascertain the point of entry to the premise and block this up.
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#5 Posted : 03 August 2007 16:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By J Knight
Steady on chaps, this could be slightly more than just nuisance. If the 'black bugs' are cockroaches (colloquially known as black beetles) then they need treating; that is, eradicating. Cockroaches are common in heated buildings in the UK, and do apparently spread disease,

John
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#6 Posted : 06 August 2007 09:37:00(UTC)
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Posted By KB


I just had to reply to this thread. OK it is Friday and we all have that weekend feeling.

I just find it very sad that someone has requested 'help' from this forum and all they receive is flippant remarks and juvenile comments.

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#7 Posted : 06 August 2007 09:44:00(UTC)
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Posted By J Knight
Hi KB,

Agree, as I say, this could be more than nuisance; I assumed that since the post referred to a 24/7 operation the insects appear largely at night, and cockroaches therefore become a real possibility,

John
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#8 Posted : 06 August 2007 09:51:00(UTC)
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Posted By Cathy Ricketts
Having had experience of various bugs, creepycrawlies, mice and other investations over the years. Speak to someone like Rentokil they have been very successful in dealing with our latest ant infestation and also found where our small furry creatures were entering our building to use it as a party centre at night.
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#9 Posted : 06 August 2007 10:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By Cathy Ricketts
Actually I think that should be infestations!!!
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#10 Posted : 06 August 2007 10:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mark Eastbourne
Dear Rsellers

I think it would help if we knew the type of working environment and also the size of the bugs and frequency of exposure if you will.

Hazards associated with this issue could be an accident arising out the bug dropping and making the girl jump and stress to the girl as well, especially if the employer is not doing anything about the issue.

If you really believe the issue is important enough, speak to Rentakill.

Mark
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#11 Posted : 07 August 2007 11:40:00(UTC)
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Posted By LMR
1) Identify your bug
2) Seek advice from Council pest control dept
3) Contact pest removal firm obtain full details of all and any chemicals that could be used
3) Exterminate, exterminate, exterminate

Please remember that any insecticide is designed to kill creatures and can have a very harmful effect of people (we are just big creatures. They are particularly nasty chemicals and must always be used with care (even your domestic fly spray!!!).
nb: there is no "friendly" way to eliminate bugs they all involve killing!
Bugs (even beetle bugs) can and do bite and their bites can turn very nasty (voice of experience involving a black beetle bug that somehow got into my upper undergarment) Lost time injury!!!!!!
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