Survey of Occupational Hazards Among Vector Control Personnel
Grant
Overview
abstract
-
Vector-borne diseases (VBD) represent a disproportionate share of global emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and are a significant public health issue. Local governments can help protect public health by employing mosquito control personnel in local health departments, public works, and other offices, while individual residents may employ private vector control services at their properties. Mosquito control employees are exposed to occupational health and safety hazards such as arthropod vectors, pesticide exposure, carrying/lifting heavy equipment, heat stress, and solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation while working outdoors. In North Carolina, licensed public health pesticide applicators must complete 6 credits of continuing education units every 5 years. Applicators may attend educational workshops to learn about proper pesticide application techniques; however, additional training may also be needed to help mitigate occupational exposures. This proposal aims to investigate occupational health and safety hazards and current preventative measures practiced by mosquito control personnel in NC. Starting with the network of about 100 professionals within the NC Mosquito and Vector Control Association, we will survey employees working in both private pest control companies and local health departments in NC. We expect to use this information to help develop educational materials that may be used by mosquito control personnel.
date/time interval
awarded by