Black widow spiders are venomous spiders that can pose a serious health risk to workers, particularly those who perform tasks outdoors or in areas where spiders may hide undisturbed for long periods of time.
Often overlooked, injuries and deaths due to bees, spiders, and other insects are a concern that companies should manage as seriously as any other hazard in the workplace. Fatal on-the-job injuries do occur as a result of bites and stings from insects and spiders.
If employees are working outdoors or in any area where ants, insects, bees, wasps, ticks or spiders could be present, it would be a good idea to have an annual safety meeting on insects, bees & spiders. Topics should include how to recognize and avoid potential areas where insects may be lurking, what clothing is best to wear in the working environment, reminders to keep work areas clean and basic first aid tips if any employee is bitten or stung.
Although black widow spider bites are relatively uncommon, the effects of their venom can be severe and painful. Because of this risk, employers should raise awareness about black widow spiders with workers who may encounter them on the job.
Workers in construction, maintenance, landscaping, agriculture, warehousing, utility work, waste handling, and similar industries may encounter black widow spiders while moving materials, reaching into dark spaces, cleaning storage areas, or working around debris and equipment.
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.
Black Widow Spider Hazards
Black widow spiders are found throughout many parts of the United States, especially in warmer climates and undisturbed areas.
Female black widow spiders are typically black with a distinctive red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen. Juvenile spiders and males may appear lighter in color and may have additional markings.
Black widow spiders usually prefer dark, quiet, sheltered locations where they are less likely to be disturbed.
They may be found in areas such as:
- Wood piles
- Storage sheds
- Under equipment
- Beneath outdoor furniture
- Crawl spaces
- Garages
- Under eaves and ledges
- Around fences and retaining walls
- Inside boxes or stored materials
- In debris piles or cluttered work areas
Black widow spiders are generally not aggressive and usually bite only when disturbed, trapped against the skin, or accidentally contacted.
Many bites occur when workers place their hands into hidden spaces without checking first.
Activities That Increase Exposure Risk
Workers can be exposed to black widow spiders during routine job tasks.
Activities that may increase the risk of exposure include:
- Moving lumber, pallets, or stored materials
- Cleaning storage areas or sheds
- Reaching into dark spaces
- Handling debris or trash piles
- Working around rocks, pipes, or construction materials
- Performing outdoor maintenance work
- Working in crawl spaces or utility vaults
- Using gloves, boots, or clothing that have been stored in undisturbed areas
Workers should always remain alert when working in locations where spiders may be hiding.
Preventing Black Widow Spider Bites
Preventing bites starts with awareness, housekeeping, and safe work practices.
Inspect Work Areas Before Starting
Inspect work areas for spiders, webs, or signs of insect activity before beginning work.
Pay close attention to dark corners, storage areas, stacked materials, and areas that have not been disturbed for extended periods of time.
Use caution when reaching into areas where visibility is limited.
Wear Proper Protective Clothing
Wear gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy footwear when working in areas where spiders may be present.
Light-colored clothing may help workers spot spiders more easily.
Shake out gloves, boots, jackets, and other clothing before putting them on if they have been stored in garages, sheds, or outdoor work areas.
Maintain Good Housekeeping
Keeping work areas clean can help reduce places where spiders may hide.
Remove unnecessary clutter, debris, scrap materials, and trash that may create sheltered hiding places for spiders and insects.
Store materials neatly and avoid allowing debris piles to accumulate around work areas.
Recognizing a Black Widow Spider Bite
A black widow spider bite may initially feel like a pinprick or may not be noticed immediately. In many cases, pain develops within a short period of time after the bite occurs. A bite may leave two small puncture marks on the skin.
Symptoms of a black widow spider bite can include:
- Pain near the bite area
- Muscle cramping or muscle pain
- Abdominal pain or stiffness
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Headache
- Increased blood pressure
- Restlessness or anxiety
Pain and muscle cramping can spread beyond the bite location and may become severe.
Although deaths from black widow spider bites are rare with modern medical treatment, serious reactions can occur, especially in young children, older adults, or individuals with certain health conditions.
First Aid and Emergency Response
If a worker is bitten by a black widow spider, or suspects they may have been bitten, immediate action should be taken.
Basic First Aid Steps
- Clean the bite area with soap and water
- Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in cloth to help reduce pain and swelling
- Keep the affected area elevated if possible
- Try to remain calm and limit physical activity
Do not cut the bite area or attempt to suck out the venom.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after a suspected black widow spider bite. Emergency medical care may be necessary if symptoms become severe.
Call emergency services immediately if a worker experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Serious muscle cramps
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe swelling
- Trouble speaking
- Signs of an allergic reaction
Safety Awareness for Workers
Black widow spiders may not be encountered every day, but the hazards they present should still be taken seriously.
Workers who understand where black widow spiders may hide, how to avoid exposure, and what to do after a bite are better prepared to protect themselves on the job.
Regular safety discussions and awareness training can help reduce the risk of serious injuries from black widow spider bites in the workplace.
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