Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part PestSure series for Fall Prevention Month examining how pest management companies can reduce slips, trips and falls during service. Part One focuses on the risks technicians encounter as they arrive at and move through a worksite. Part Two, publishing later this month, will address equipment, ladders, housekeeping and near-miss reporting.

Pest control technicians do not work in a controlled environment.

Every service stop brings a new walking surface, access point and set of conditions. A wet loading dock, loose gravel, an uneven curb, a cluttered storage room or poor lighting can turn an ordinary service call into a serious injury.

As September begins and the industry recognizes Fall Prevention Month, pest management companies have an opportunity to reinforce a simple message: preventing slips, trips and falls starts before the work begins. Technicians need a consistent process for assessing each location rather than relying on familiarity or reacting after a hazard appears.

A Major Workplace Risk

The national numbers show how widespread the exposure is. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 479,480 private-industry cases involving days away from work due to falls, slips and trips in 2024. Across all sectors, these events also caused 844 fatal work injuries. A momentary loss of footing can have consequences far beyond a bruise or a sore ankle.

For pest management companies, an incident can mean medical costs, lost work time, schedule disruptions, overtime, a workers' compensation claim and an experienced employee temporarily removed from the field. Prevention protects the technician while helping the company maintain reliable service for customers.

Start the Safety Check Before Leaving the Vehicle

Arrival is the technician's first opportunity to slow down and assess the site. Before opening the door, look for moving traffic, curbs, potholes, slopes, ice, standing water,

Pest management companies face risks that are very different from those of most businesses. Technicians spend their days on the road and work at customer properties. Employees handle specialized products and equipment. Companies must manage vehicle fleets, hiring and training, regulatory requirements and customer expectations while protecting their employees and businesses from costly claims.

Those realities make insurance more than a line item on the budget. The right insurance program should be built around an understanding of how a pest management company actually operates.

For more than four decades, PestSure has provided that understanding as the only insurance program completely owned and operated by pest control operators.

An Insurance Program Built by the Industry

There is a significant difference between an insurance company that writes policies for pest management companies and an insurance program created specifically for the industry.

PestSure's owners and members understand the challenges pest control operators face because they experience those same challenges in their own businesses. From vehicle accidents and workers' compensation claims to employee hiring practices, technician safety and liability exposures, PestSure understands how risk connects to day-to-day pest management operations.

That industry knowledge allows PestSure to serve as a trusted risk advisor, claims advocate and loss-prevention specialist for its members.

Preventing Claims Before They Happen

Insurance is there when something goes wrong, but preventing a loss in the first place is better for everyone.

PestSure's full-time loss-prevention team works directly with pest control operators to identify risks and recommend practical ways to reduce them. That includes guidance on work procedures, driving practices and hiring systems designed to help prevent claims.

Because these recommendations are based on decades of experience within the pest control industry, they aren't generic safety suggestions. They address the real-world exposures PestSure members encounter every day.

The goal is straightforward: protecting

In the pest management industry, safety incidents don't always end with an injury, damaged vehicle, or workers' compensation claim. Sometimes a technician slips or trips on a chord but regains their footing. A ladder shifts but doesn't fall. A distracted driver catches themselves before a collision. These are often dismissed as "close calls."

They shouldn't be.

Near misses are among the most valuable safety tools available to pest management companies because they reveal weaknesses before someone gets hurt. Organizations that encourage employees to report and discuss these incidents can identify trends, strengthen procedures, and build a stronger safety culture without paying the high cost of a preventable accident.

What Is a Near Miss?

A near miss is an unplanned event that had the potential to cause injury, property damage, or equipment loss but didn't, often because of quick action or simple luck.

Examples in pest management include:

• A technician nearly falls while stepping off a ladder.
• A company vehicle narrowly avoids a rear-end collision after a moment of distraction.
• A pesticide container tips over but doesn't spill.
• A technician almost experiences a dog bite during a residential service call.
• A trip hazard is discovered before someone is injured.

While the outcome may have been harmless, the underlying hazard still exists. Treating these events as learning opportunities helps prevent the next incident from having a different ending.

Why Near Miss Reporting Matters

Many employees hesitate to report near misses because they don't think the incident was serious enough or they're concerned they'll be blamed.

That's why leadership plays such an important role.

When managers respond with curiosity instead of criticism, employees become more willing to share what happened. The goal isn't to assign fault. It's to understand what contributed to the event and identify practical ways to reduce future risk.

A

PestSure, the leading member-owned insurance and risk management program serving the pest management industry, today announced the appointment of Justin McCauley of McCauley Services and Bob Dold, Jr of Rose Pest Solutions, to its Board of Directors, while recognizing the retirement of longtime board member Russ Ives after 23 years of service.

McCauley and Dold bring decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to advancing the pest management industry. As board members, they will help guide PestSure's strategic direction while supporting its mission of delivering industry-focused insurance solutions, proactive risk management resources, and long-term value to its member companies.

At the same time, PestSure recognizes the retirement of Russ Ives of Rose Pest Solutions of Troy, Michigan, from the Board of Directors after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Ives served on the PestSure Board from 2003 through 2026, helping shape the organization's growth and strengthening its position as a trusted partner for pest management professionals across the country.

"Justin and Bob are highly respected leaders who understand both the challenges and opportunities facing today's pest management companies," said Mike Rottler of Rottler Pest Solutions and Chairman of the PestSure Board of Directors. "Their operational expertise, strategic perspective, and commitment to our industry will be tremendous assets as PestSure continues to evolve and deliver innovative solutions that help our members protect their businesses and their employees."

Rottler also expressed appreciation for Ives' longstanding contributions to the organization.

"Russ has played an instrumental role in PestSure's success over the past 23 years," said Rottler. "His thoughtful leadership, steady guidance, and unwavering commitment to serving our members have helped shape the organization we are today. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank Russ for his extraordinary service and the lasting impact he has made on PestSure and the pest

For many pest management professionals, summer is the busiest time of the year. This year, however, the season has started with an added challenge. An intense heat dome blanketed much of the United States as July began, pushing temperatures well into the 90s and even triple digits across large portions of the country.

For technicians working long days outdoors, in crawlspaces, attics, and other confined areas, extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable, it can quickly become a serious safety hazard.

While pest pressure may increase during the summer months, so does the importance of protecting employees from heat-related illnesses. Proper planning, training, and awareness can help reduce risk and keep technicians safe throughout the season.

Recognize the Warning Signs

The body's natural cooling system works hard during periods of extreme heat. High temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight, protective clothing, and physically demanding tasks all increase the risk of heat-related illness.

Every technician should recognize the warning signs before they become emergencies. Heat exhaustion often develops first and may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness or fatigue
• Cool, clammy skin

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency. Warning signs include hot, dry skin, confusion, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness, or altered mental status. Immediate medical attention is critical.

Don't Ignore Overexertion

Heat places additional stress on the body, especially during physically demanding work such as lifting equipment, climbing ladders, treating attics, or working in crawlspaces.

Encourage technicians to listen to their bodies. If they begin experiencing dizziness, muscle cramps, excessive sweating, nausea, or unusual fatigue, they should stop working, move to a cooler location, hydrate, and notify a supervisor if symptoms persist.

Pushing through the discomfort can quickly turn a manageable situation into a medical emergency.

Practical Ways to Beat the Heat

A

Safety in the pest management industry has always been about protecting people. From safe pesticide handling and ladder usage to vehicle operation and personal protective equipment, companies invest significant time and resources into reducing risk.

But in 2026, the strongest safety programs aren't built solely on policies, training manuals, or technology. They're built on communication.

As pest management companies navigate distracted driving risks, technician retention challenges, rising insurance costs, extreme weather conditions, and increasingly complex operations, one thing has become clear: your employees are often your best source of safety intelligence.

The technicians driving service routes, entering crawl spaces, climbing ladders, and interacting with customers every day see risks long before they appear on an incident report.

The question is: Are you listening?

Why Employee Feedback Matters More Than Ever

Today's pest control companies have access to more safety data than ever before. Vehicle telematics, AI-powered cameras, mobile safety apps, and training platforms provide valuable insight into employee behavior and operational risk.

Technology is an important part of any modern safety program, but it doesn't tell the whole story.

Your employees often recognize emerging hazards, process breakdowns, and operational challenges before management does. They may identify recurring customer property risks, equipment issues, route pressures, near misses, or safety concerns that don't show up in reports.

When employees feel comfortable sharing those concerns, companies gain valuable information that can prevent accidents before they occur.

Unfortunately, many organizations unintentionally create barriers to communication. Employees may worry that reporting concerns will be viewed negatively or assume nothing will happen if they speak up.

That's where leadership makes the difference.

Creating a Culture Where People Speak Up

Building a strong safety culture starts with creating an environment where employees know their voices matter.

That means making it easy to report concerns and even easier

Each year, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is referred to as the "100 Deadliest Days of Driving."

Increased traffic volume, summer travel, road construction, vacations, and more drivers on the road create conditions that contribute to a rise in crashes across the country.

While much of the attention surrounding the 100 Deadliest Days focuses on teenage drivers, the reality is that every driver faces increased risk during the summer months. For pest management companies, where technicians spend much of their workday behind the wheel, this seasonal increase in roadway hazards presents an important opportunity to reinforce safe driving behaviors.

Driving is often the most dangerous task a pest control professional performs each day. The good news is that many of the factors contributing to summer crashes can be addressed through awareness, preparation, and consistent coaching.

Why Summer Driving Requires Extra Attention

Summer creates unique challenges for service professionals. Roads are busier with vacation travelers, families heading to recreational activities, and drivers who may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. Road construction projects often peak during warmer months, leading to lane shifts, detours, and unexpected traffic congestion.

For pest management technicians, these conditions can increase pressure to stay on schedule while navigating unfamiliar routes, responding to customer requests, and managing a full day of appointments.

That combination of distractions, time pressure, and heavier traffic creates risk.

Focus on What You Can Control

While technicians cannot control traffic conditions, they can control their driving behaviors.

One of the most effective ways to reduce crash risk is to create more space between your vehicle and others on the road. Encourage technicians to maintain a safe following distance and increase that distance during heavy traffic, poor weather, or construction zones.

Speed management is equally important. Even small increases in speed reduce

Case Study: Building a Culture of Safe Driving - How Hulett Environmental Services Made No-Distraction the Standard

For many pest control companies, distracted driving policies are introduced in response to rising insurance costs or a close call on the road. At Hulett Environmental Services, the approach has been different. For more than two decades, the company has made safe driving a core part of its operations - not as a compliance requirement, but as a cultural expectation.

Today, with 212 employees and 161 vehicles operating across Florida’s east coast, Hulett’s long-standing commitment to eliminating distracted driving offers a clear example of what it takes to build - and sustain - a safety-first culture.

A 20-Year Commitment to Doing It Right

Hulett’s journey began more than 20 years ago with early in-vehicle monitoring technology. From the outset, leadership recognized that driving is not a secondary responsibility for technicians; it is a critical part of the job.

“Our technicians spend a lot of window time behind the wheel during the working day,” said Mike Fearns, vice president and general manager of Hulett’s Lawn and Pest Control Divisions. “We understood early on that if we were serious about protecting our employees and our customers, we needed to address driving behavior in a meaningful way.”

Over the years, Hulett has continuously evolved its approach, layering new technologies and refining processes without ever stepping away from its core commitment. Today, that includes a combination of video telematics and mobile device management tools, creating what Fearns describes as a “one-two punch” for safety.

“There’s never been a pause,” he said. “We’ve always had something in place to reinforce safe driving.”

From Policy to Way of Life

Like many companies, Hulett faced early resistance when implementing a strict no cell phone policy that extended well beyond phones.

Most safety conversations in the pest control industry focus on the obvious - vehicle accidents, slips and falls, or chemical handling.

But as highlighted in a session at PestSure’s 2025 Safety and Loss Prevention Conference, many of the biggest exposures come from everyday decisions that don’t always feel like safety risks in the moment.

And often, those decisions are tied directly to time pressure.

When technicians and managers are trying to move faster, fit more into the day, or solve problems on the fly, they can unintentionally create risks that impact insurance coverage, claims outcomes and long-term costs.

As Abby Thalachelloor, PestSure’s director of claims, shared with attendees that every decision can have unforeseen consequences.

The Hidden Side of Risk

Not all exposures come from accidents. Many come from business practices that seem routine:

• Allowing ride-alongs without clear policies
• Letting employees take vehicles home without defined boundaries
• Using personal vehicles for work without proper coverage
• Overlooking contract language or documentation requirements

These aren’t isolated issues. They are operational decisions that, over time, can lead to costly claims.

Thalachelloor told attendees that companies are often paying for things we shouldn’t have to not because of bad intent, but because of gaps in process, communication or oversight.

Where Time Pressure Creates Exposure

Many of these risks are amplified when teams are rushed:

• A technician brings along a ride-along to “help out” without thinking through liability
• A manager skips verifying a driver’s history to fill an open route
• Documentation is delayed or incomplete because the day got busy
• A quick contract is signed without reviewing indemnity or arbitration clauses

These shortcuts don’t just affect productivity. They directly impact your ability to defend a claim.

As Thalachelloor explained from a claims perspective, lack of documentation or verification can make a case difficult to defend

In pest control, time is always in short supply.

Full routes, customer expectations, seasonal surges, and travel between stops can create pressure to move faster and fit more into the day. But when time management slips, safety is often the first thing to go with it.

At PestSure, we see it time and again; rushed technicians are more likely to take shortcuts, skip steps, or overlook hazards. The result isn’t just reduced service quality. It’s increased risk for accidents, injuries, and costly claims.

The good news is that better time management doesn’t just improve productivity. It directly strengthens safety performance in the field.

Why Time Pressure Creates Risk

When technicians feel behind schedule, small decisions start to add up:

• Skipping PPE for a “quick” application
• Climbing a ladder without proper setup
• Rushing through inspections and missing hazards
• Driving faster or checking phones between stops

These aren’t intentional safety violations. They’re reactions to time pressure. And they’re exactly where many workplace injuries and auto claims begin.

Creating safer outcomes starts with giving technicians the tools and structure to manage their time effectively.

Start the Day with a Plan

A safe day begins before the first stop. Encourage technicians to review their route each morning and identify:

• High-risk stops (ladders, crawl spaces, heavy equipment)
• Longer service times needed for complex jobs
• Traffic patterns and driving time between appointments

A few minutes of planning helps prevent rushed decisions later in the day. It also sets realistic expectations for what can be completed safely.

Build Time for Safety into Every Stop

Safety shouldn’t be an “extra step.” It should be part of the job.

Technicians should be trained and empowered to:

• Perform a quick hazard assessment upon arrival
• Take the time to set ladders correctly and use proper footing
• Wear appropriate PPE every time,