Did you know that as the forestry and landscaping season begins, a seasonal risk re-emerges across Europe that is worth building into your team's risk assessments?
The Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) is active between April and July each year. Its caterpillars produce microscopic hairs containing a substance called thaumetopoein, which can cause skin irritation and, when inhaled or comes into contact, can lead to throat discomfort and eye irritation. For most people, a chance encounter is unlikely to cause serious harm, but for professionals working on or near oak trees, the cumulative risk is worth taking seriously.
In the UK, OPM is mainly established in areas of Greater London and some surrounding counties in South East England. The specific areas can be found on the Forestry Commission map.
Those most likely to encounter OPM in the course of their daily work include arborists, tree surgeons, landscapers, grounds maintenance teams and forestry workers. If your team operates in or near oak woodland this spring and summer, a simple review of your PPE provision is a sensible precaution.
If you spot any OPM nests or caterpillars, do not touch or go near them. The caterpillars are known for travelling in distinctive nose‑to‑tail lines, usually in or around oak trees, which is how they got their name. Their nests start white but quickly become discoloured and much harder to see. The highest‑risk period is from April to July, when the caterpillars are active. However, all nests, even old or ‘spent’ ones, should be avoided at all times, as the hairs inside can remain irritating for several months.
When working in areas where OPM is present, appropriate above-the-neck protection is particularly important. Respiratory protection to filter airborne hairs, eye and face protection, and suitable clothing to minimise skin exposure are the key considerations.
For ground-based workers where OPM exposure is a genuine occupational risk, JSP's PowerCap® Infinity® is designed for exactly this kind of environment. Certified to EN 397 for industrial use, the PowerCap® Infinity® has also been tested by the KWF Institute for use in the forestry sector and awarded the KWF 'Function and Comfort' certification mark, making it an ideal respiratory protection solution for ground-level OPM management and control work.
For more information on PowerCap® Infinity® and JSP's full range of respiratory and eye protection, visit jspsafety.com.