A protective fan shield for securement about an associated rotating blade fan. The shield is formed of open mesh fiberglass netting with a resilient continuous elastomeric band at a terminal end for securement of the shield about the associated fan. The shield is further formed with pockets formed within the surface of the shield and directed orthogonally relative to the ribs defining the protective cage of the fan. The pockets enable securement of flexible strut for maintaining the shield from entering between the support ribs of the associated fan.