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Posted By Seamus O Sullivan
I previously asked about Lyme on this forum and got some excellent responses, thanks to everyone who contributed.
I have come to the conclusion that Lyme is going to be a thing, which will concern most people who are involved with health and safety. It appears to be spreading due to the global warming. I have met persons near me who have Lyme; they got tick bites while at work. They did not receive any training about ticks from their employer. Does this suggest negligence, Perhaps!!
There are 2 good films doing the rounds "Under Our Skin"( USA) it highlights the problem. I have got the loan of the Irish copy. Anyone who lives near me is welcome to visit to see it. I believe It will be shown nationwide later in the year. There is also a good English dvd called " One tick away" available from BADA UK, I would suggest anyone involved in health and safety and who has involvement with outdoor work need to get a copy, Unlike safety dvd's it is not expensive. From their website they supply the tick removers, repellent etc.
For us involved in health and safety this should be of grave concern. It is a point which trainers need to address in certain courses, especially to be aware of ticks, how to avoid the ticks getting on to your employees, how to safely remove the ticks. Yes, there is a safe and dangerous way to remove ticks. The suggested use of repellent is a possible precaution for many workers.
It is a realistic danger present in many workplaces.
Having carried out a search in SHP, I discovered many mentions of Lyme, and the risk it poses to certain workers. By the way, the first doctor who diagnosed Aids many years ago, says in the film “Under our Skin” that Lyme is going to become more serious than aids.
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Posted By Bob Y
Seamus - interesting stuff, good to have a bit of an update - very helpful - thank you
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Posted By Pete48
Whoa there! Useful information but it does read a bit sensationally Seamus. I am sure many employers who have outdoor workers in areas where ticks are prevalent already have some simple controls in place.
The tick needs to be infected with the bacteria before it can infect you and most are not infected. The risk of infection is significantly further reduced if the tick is properly removed within the first few hours of its feed.
So I agree with you that a simple understanding of the hazards, why certain types of clothing are recommended for those working or visiting known areas and how to remove a tick are important but I just cannot make the leap to this being the next major H&S issue.
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Posted By Seamus O Sullivan
Hi Pete
The main reason behind this thread is to ensure anyone who is advising such employers, or employees do not to overlook ticks as a possible health issue.
You are correct in saying this is unlikely to make major health and safety news.
However the workers and the families of the workers who contracted Lyme are unlikely to be concerned with other items. The lucky ones are the ones who are quickly diagnosed.
I have seen research which was published by an Irish University where in 1995 it was found that 12% of the ticks in one Irish location were infected with Lyme. Ok it was 1995 but the figure could be higher now. While the figures suggest 88% were not infected in 1995, who is willing to take a chance. It appears researchers are now finding co infections in some ticks, they are carrying more than one virus. I accept this is totally outside my area. I am sure others here know a lot more than I do.
Currently there appears to be several ideas in circulation about how long the tick should remain attached before there is a risk of infection. Some say 3 days , some say 3 hours. I see the problem as being complicated by the size of the ticks, some are very small. It is possible to have them attached and not feel them, apparently one does not feel the pick because the tick uses something to numb the pick.
It must be pointed out that there are also differences between the method of accepted treatment between the medical people. Having sat through the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 8 long hours hearing, which as a result of a legal decesion had to be broadcast on the web, it highlighted to me that it may become a major problem. The insurers appear to be currently concerned in Americia.
The employer of the workers I encountered who got Lyme (is a major employer ) did not, and still does not to the best of my knowledge highlight ticks as an issue. Maybe other employers do highlight the risks to their employers, however I suspect many do not.
Regards
Seamus
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Posted By Pete48
Seamus, there are I think some major differences between the situation in the USA and in temperate Northern Europe. For those working outside the USA, this site is European,
http://meduni09.edis.at/eucalb/cms/index.php
It is European focused research and amongst other things confirms very clearly that "Media reports have coloured European public perceptions of LB by suggesting that the infection is difficult to diagnose and treat and has a high morbidity, but this applies only to a tiny minority of cases."
This link to the Association of Medical Microbiologists has a useful page of information that includes a statement that "Most patients who have had Lyme disease make a good recovery, even without treatment".
http://www.amm.co.uk/files/factsabout/fa_lyme.htm
Add the facts that
-the tick population is limited to certain areas of both the UK and ROI;
-that only infected ticks can infect humans and the % is still very small;
-there may be some anecdotal evidence that the tick population is increasing, probably due in part to the recent spell of humid wet late spring and summers,
and I still cannot see that anything has changed with regard to the risk assessment of workers who may be exposed to the risk.
The use of the countryside has changed significantly in the past 20 years, (especially in the UK)and many who visit for recreational purposes have no idea of the dangers that surround them in this paradise. There may be some evidence of an increased exposure to tick bites and subsequent cases of Lymes amongst these recreational visitors. Such numbers may be reported here but will include infection that occurs whilst on holiday outside the UK and ROI.
However,returning to workplace controls, there are simple controls that have been well known and documented for many years. It is just one of the controls that need to be in place for people who work in the great outdoors. Just as a factory presents risks so does the countryside.
I see nothing new at the moment that would suggest a change to the assessment of risk to workers who may be exposed to tick infested environments.
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Posted By Seamus O Sullivan
Hi Pete,
Thanks for the replies.
Someone here just mentioned George Bush (past US President) got Lyme a year ago
Cheers
Seamus
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Posted By D. Hilton
Says OXO on the buses but they dont sell em
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Posted By D. Hilton
That news story was dated August 2007 btw
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Posted By Phil Grace
Seamus,
I agree with previous posters that we need to keep this in proportion. There is a wealth of information on the Health Protection Agency website - UK based and updated as at May 09. Interesting points included:
* Since enhanced surveillance began in 1997 there have been c5,000 reported cases (UK)
* In 2008 there were 813 cases reported including 91 who were identified as having contracted the disease abroad.
* The information states that "occupational related incidents of the disease are seldom seen"
So, it is a problem and those occupations that work outdoors - from estates and farming/agriculture through to outdoor pursuits centres should be aware of the risk - bit it isn't the next big H&S issue.
Phil
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