For some workers, insects are simply an annoying part of working outdoors. For others, exposure to biting or stinging insects, like bees and wasps, can quickly become a serious medical emergency or even a life-threatening situation.
Workers in construction, landscaping, agriculture, utilities, maintenance, forestry, transportation, and many other industries may encounter bees, wasps, ants, ticks, spiders, mosquitoes, and other insects while performing their job duties. Insects and spiders may also be present inside warehouses, storage areas, crawl spaces, attics, mechanical rooms, and other work environments.
Injuries and fatalities caused by insect bites and stings are a workplace hazard that should be taken seriously. Severe allergic reactions, infections, toxic venom, and disease transmission can all result from exposure to insects and spiders on the job.
Bees and Wasps on the Job
Fatal on-the-job injuries do occur as a result of insect stings, with the majority of these deaths linked to allergic reactions from bee and wasp stings.
Workers who perform tasks outdoors may encounter honeybees, bumblebees, hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps while working near buildings, trees, utility equipment, dumpsters, landscaping, excavation areas, or stored materials.
Bee and wasp activity increases during warmer months and can become especially dangerous when workers unknowingly disturb a hive or nest.
Unlike honeybees, many wasps can sting repeatedly and may become aggressive when they feel threatened or when their nest is disturbed.
Because of these risks, employers should treat bee and wasp exposure as a serious workplace hazard and provide training for workers who may encounter stinging insects on the job.
Worker Training on Bees and Wasps
If employees work outdoors or in areas where bees or wasps may be present, regular safety meetings or training sessions should address these hazards.
Training should include:
- How to recognize bee and wasp activity
- Common nesting locations
- How to avoid disturbing nests or hives
- Proper clothing for outdoor work
- Emergency response procedures for stings
- Signs of allergic reactions
- First aid procedures after a sting
OSHA Standard 1926.21(b)(4) says that in job site areas where harmful plants or animals are present, employees who may be exposed shall be instructed regarding the potential hazards, and how to avoid injury, and the first aid procedures to be used in the event of injury.
Preventing Bee and Wasp Stings at Work
Workers should take precautions whenever bees or wasps may be present in the work environment.
Inspect the Work Area Before Starting
Inspect the work area before beginning work for signs of bees or wasps.
Look for nests or hives in:
- Roof overhangs
- Trees and bushes
- Utility boxes
- Equipment compartments
- Ground holes
- Storage areas
- Trash containers
- Wall voids and structures
Be especially cautious when moving materials, opening storage containers, or working in areas that have been undisturbed for long periods of time.
Wear Proper Clothing
Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing that covers as much exposed skin as possible.
Bees and wasps may react more aggressively to dark clothing or rough-textured materials.
Avoid loose clothing that could trap insects between the fabric and skin.
Do not wear strongly scented cologne, perfume, lotion, or hair products that may attract insects.
Keep Work Areas Clean
Keep work areas clean to avoid attracting bees and wasps.
Stinging insects are often attracted to:
- Open drink containers
- Food waste
- Sugary beverages
- Trash containers
- Spilled food or liquids
Dispose of garbage properly and clean up food and drink spills promptly.
Understanding Bee and Wasp Stings
When a bee stings, its stinger, venom sac, and part of the bee’s abdomen may remain in the skin. The bee dies shortly after stinging.
The stinger should be removed as quickly as possible because the venom sac can continue releasing venom after the sting occurs.
Wasps and hornets do not lose their stingers and can sting multiple times.
Multiple stings can increase the amount of venom injected into the body and raise the risk of severe reactions.
Allergies to Bee Stings
Some workers may experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis after a bee or wasp sting.
Symptoms can develop rapidly and may become life-threatening within minutes.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if a sting causes:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
- Chest pain
- Severe swelling beyond the sting area
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe sweating
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
Even a single bee or wasp sting can be fatal for someone with a severe allergy.
Workers who know they have severe allergies to insect stings should take additional precautions before starting work.
Medical Identification
Workers with severe allergies should consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace or carrying emergency medical information in their wallet.
This information can help emergency responders provide proper treatment during an emergency.
Carry Emergency Medication
Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to bee or wasp stings should carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed by a medical provider.
Supervisors and coworkers should know where the medication is located and understand emergency response procedures if a severe reaction occurs.
What To Do Around Bees and Wasps
If bees or wasps are active in the area, workers should remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
Do not swat at stinging insects because rapid movements may trigger aggressive behavior.
If a nest or hive is discovered near the work area:
- Stop work if necessary
- Keep workers away from the area
- Notify a supervisor
- Contact trained pest control personnel if removal is needed
Workers should never attempt to remove a large hive or wasp nest unless properly trained and equipped to do so.
Preventing exposure and recognizing hazards early can help reduce the risk of serious injuries and medical emergencies caused by bee and wasp stings in the workplace.
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