Stinging insects like bees, wasps, and hornets present a hazard to outdoor workers. Found everywhere throughout US and abundant during the summer, they often make nests or hives in trees, under roof eaves, in equipment, and even in the ground.
These flying insects can inject an employee with venom, eliciting allergic reactions ranging from pain, mild itchiness, and swelling to anaphylactic shock and death.
Know the Risks
According to the CDC and NIOSH, 90-100 people die from insect bites/stings every year. This number is thought to be lower than the actual value, since deaths might be mistakenly diagnosed as heart attacks, sunstrokes, or attributed to other causes.
Stinging insects’ presence alone can cause panic and distract—particularly dangerous when driving a car, working on a ladder, or using dangerous equipment.
Keys to Keep You Safe
Before starting work, conduct a worksite inspection and look for evidence of beehives and wasp nests. Thoroughly note the locations of hives or nests, inform your employees and advise them to avoid these areas when possible.
Be sure to wear bright-colored clothing and cover as much skin as possible. It’s easier to notice an insect on your bright colored clothes, and harder for them to harm you through a layer of clothing.
Also, keep work areas clean, as these insects are commonly found in areas where we throw away food such as trash cans and dumpsters.
In case of an emergency, ensure there are trained workers on-site to administer first aid in the event of a bite or sting from bees, wasps, and hornets. It’s important to know if anyone has allergic reactions to bites/stings and, if so, where they keep their Epi-Pen.
Monitor bite/sting victims, even if they don’t have a history of allergic reactions—people can develop these allergies over time. If someone is having a severe allergic reaction, call 911.