Wildlife Deterrents Toolbox Talk

Construction activities can attract wildlife by providing food sources, water, shelter, or access to disturbed habitats. Wildlife entering active work areas can create safety hazards for both workers and animals. Approved wildlife deterrents help discourage animals from entering construction zones without causing unnecessary harm. Effective deterrent programs combine good housekeeping, site planning, exclusion measures, and project-approved wildlife management practices to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

This toolbox talk reviews common wildlife deterrent methods, worker responsibilities, and safe practices for keeping wildlife away from active construction areas.

Why This Matters

• Wildlife in work areas can create hazards for equipment operators, drivers, and pedestrians.
• Animals may be injured if they enter active construction zones.
• Food waste and poor housekeeping can attract wildlife to the jobsite.
• Approved deterrents help reduce project delays caused by wildlife encounters.
• Responsible wildlife management supports environmental protection and worker safety.

Common Wildlife Attraction Hazards

• Food waste, unsecured trash, or open dumpsters attracting animals.
• Standing water providing drinking sources for wildlife.
• Construction materials creating shelter or nesting locations.
• Damaged wildlife fencing or exclusion barriers.
• Workers feeding or intentionally approaching wildlife.
• Equipment parked in areas known for wildlife activity without inspection.
• Vegetation overgrowth providing cover near work areas.
• Failure to report repeated wildlife activity on the site.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Review the project's wildlife management and deterrent procedures.
• Inspect wildlife exclusion fencing, gates, and other deterrent systems for damage.
• Remove food waste and secure trash containers to avoid attracting animals.
• Eliminate unnecessary standing water where practical and permitted.
• Inspect equipment, storage areas, and work zones for signs of wildlife activity.
• Understand project procedures for reporting wildlife encounters.

During the Workday

• Maintain good housekeeping throughout the work shift.
• Keep waste containers closed and dispose of food waste promptly.
• Do not feed, chase, or attempt to capture wildlife.
• Use only project-approved wildlife deterrent methods.
• Inspect vehicles and equipment before operation if wildlife activity has been reported.
• Report damaged deterrent systems, repeated wildlife activity, or injured wildlife immediately.

Crew Talking Points

• What wildlife species are commonly encountered on this project?
• What conditions are most likely to attract wildlife to the jobsite?
• Which wildlife deterrent measures are being used today?
• What should workers do if wildlife enters the active work area?
• Why is good housekeeping one of the most effective wildlife deterrents?
• Speak up immediately if you notice damaged exclusion barriers, unsecured waste, or repeated wildlife activity near work areas.

Stop Work If

• Wildlife enters the active work area and could be endangered by ongoing operations.
• Protected wildlife is observed within the planned work zone.
• Wildlife deterrent or exclusion systems are damaged or ineffective.
• An injured or trapped animal is discovered on the site.
• Work activities conflict with project wildlife protection requirements.
• You are unsure how to safely respond to a wildlife encounter.

Final Reminder

Wildlife deterrents help keep construction sites safe for both workers and animals. Maintain good housekeeping, secure waste and materials, inspect exclusion measures regularly, and use only approved deterrent methods. Never feed or handle wildlife, and report any wildlife concerns immediately so appropriate action can be taken while protecting both people and the environment.