Stinging insects such as honey bees, wasps and hornets can pose a risk to lineworkers in outdoor settings. These insects are most active in the summer and fall, and may become more aggressive if work occurs near or disrupts their hive.  (Other bee species such as bumble bees, carpenter bees and sweat bees are unlikely to sting unless threatened.)

OSHA requires that workers be properly trained on the potential hazards from insects, how to avoid injuries and what first aid is needed in the event an incident occurs. Insect stings are classified as injuries on OSHA Form 300 and must be reported.

Avoiding stinging insects

Be mindful of where you are working. Bees, wasps and hornets build their nests and feed in many places that line work occurs—tree limbs and trunks, the ground, buildings, idle equipment, stored materials and even traffic sign posts. 

• Be alert for hives or nests, or where insects are gathered, entering or exiting spaces. Avoid those areas if possible.
• Stinging insects are also attracted to certain foods and may be found near garbage cans, dumpsters, fallen fruit beneath trees/shrubs and other sources of food residue. Keep any food brought on site for meals in sealed bags or containers.
• Avoid provoking the insects. Do not swat them or make sudden movements. Let them fly away, slowly walk away or gently “blow” them away.
• Wear light-colored clothing such as khaki, beige or blue, which is less likely to attract stinging insects than brighter colors. 
• Avoid wearing scented, perfumed products.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes to help protect bare skin from stings.
• If you do disturb a nest and hear buzzing, act quickly—protect your face with your hands and run from the area.

If you must work near stinging insects, wear a hat with netting to cover your head, neck and shoulders. Tape your pant legs to your boots and socks and your sleeves to your gloves.

If a sting occurs

In general, most stings and bites only cause temporary pain, swelling and skin redness. 

• If left behind, try removing the stinger right away (venom can still be injected for up to a minute afterwards) by scraping sideways with your fingernail or a credit card at the narrow end of the stinger.
• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
• Use anti-itch cream, calamine lotion or an oral antihistamine if needed for itching and swelling.
• In the event of multiple stings, cover the face and run away before treating.

Allergies

If a worker experiences an insect sting, they and their team members should look out for symptoms of an allergic reaction. Although rare, the most severe reaction to a sting is anaphylaxis (also called anaphylactic shock), which can occur depending on the number of stings, where they occur and what allergies the person has.

The following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can occur up to 30 minutes after a sting:

• Hives, itching and swelling in areas other than the sting site
• Swollen eyes, eyelids, tongue or throat
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Hoarse voice
• Dizziness or sharp drop in blood pressure
• Shock
• Unconsciousness or cardiac arrest

If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately. An oral antihistamine can be administered and is included in most first-aid kits. An EpiPen might also be needed for severe symptoms. 

Any worker with a known allergy to bee stings should alert their supervisor and carry an EpiPen, if prescribed.

QUESTIONS

• Which OSHA form do insect stings need to be reported on?
• What types of locations are most likely to have stinging insect nests or activity? 
• What symptoms of anaphylaxis should workers be on the lookout for in the event of a sting?
  

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