Protecting What You’ve Built
Mike Bullert
Big Time Pest Control
As I settle into my first few months as your NPMA president, I’ve noticed how often conversations with members come back to the same issue: the increasing complexity surrounding the legal and regulatory environment of our businesses.
Workers’ compensation claims, accommodation requests, employment documentation—these are not abstract HR issues. They are everyday business realities, and how we handle them can have a significant impact on the companies we have worked so hard to build. That is why this issue of PestWorld focuses on legal issues, and why I encourage every member to spend some time with it.
Inside, you’ll find practical guidance on managing workers’ compensation claims from the moment an injury occurs. You’ll also find an important discussion about accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, including situations that are very real in our industry. And because good intentions only go so far without good documentation, this issue also looks at how to build an employment documentation process that supports your business.
Most of us did not get into pest management because we were passionate about employment law. We got into it to serve customers, build businesses, create opportunities for our employees, and protect our communities. But protecting what we’ve built means paying attention to the parts of the business that may not always be the most exciting.
The companies that treat HR, compliance, and documentation as part of their core business infrastructure—not something to deal with only when a problem arises—are better positioned to avoid costly surprises.
That is also where NPMA can help. Through our HR partnerships, legal and compliance resources, and educational programs, members have access to a tremendous amount of support. I encourage you to become familiar with those resources.
As always, thank you for the work you do every day to protect public health, property, and the communities we serve.
