Read aloud: before we head outside
Today, let's consider stinging insects before outdoor work or a trip through the grounds. OSHA documented an orchard worker's death from anaphylactic shock after bees attacked during watering. For our team, where might we encounter a nest, who should receive a report, and how would we summon emergency help? Use the prompts below to agree on today's plan. OSHA incident record.
Documented incident: a hive disturbed during watering
On July 3, 2017, a Hadley Date Gardens employee was applying water to dates from an elevated spray-rig bucket pulled by a tractor. OSHA reports that water and/or the rig's sound disturbed a hive. Bees repeatedly stung the employee's head and face; the employee died from anaphylactic shock. OSHA identified hazard recognition, removing workers from danger, safely removing the hive, and training on bee hazards and sting response as prevention measures. These are the record's recommendations, not findings about conditions at your workplace. OSHA incident record.
Choose controls before exposure
OSHA ranks controls from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, then personal protective equipment (PPE). Work with the team to select feasible options; several levels may be needed. The following are adaptable planning prompts, not a nest-removal procedure. OSHA hierarchy worksheet.
- Elimination: If a hive is identified, arrange for its safe removal. Ask who can coordinate that work. OSHA incident recommendations.
- Substitution, then engineering: Ask whether changing the process or preventing contact with the hazard offers a feasible control. Have any proposed option assessed for this task before relying on it. OSHA hierarchy worksheet.
- Administrative: Keep workers out of an identified danger area while safe removal is arranged; review hazard recognition and sting response. For office teams, discuss how reports near entrances or outdoor gathering areas reach the appropriate facilities contact. OSHA incident recommendations.
- PPE and clothing: OSHA advises light-colored, smooth clothing covering as much of the body as possible, with wrist and ankle closures to keep insects out. This guidance is not a plan for approaching or removing a nest. OSHA Fatal Facts No. 17.
Know which response fits
OSHA's Fatal Facts No. 17 describes a separate forester fatality and provides this guidance: with one stinging insect flying nearby, remain calm and still; swatting may provoke a sting. If several stinging insects attack, run away and go indoors. After a sting, have someone stay with the worker to assist if an allergic reaction occurs. OSHA Fatal Facts No. 17.
Emergency response: Face, throat or tongue swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness or fainting, or widespread hives can signal anaphylaxis. Call emergency services immediately for a suspected severe allergic reaction. Treatment involves properly administered epinephrine; follow any prescribed epinephrine plan and training, and obtain emergency care. OSHA Fatal Facts No. 17.
Team discussion — adapt to today's work
- Field and office: What insect activity has been reported around today's work, entrances or grounds? If a concern arises, who will coordinate access and safe removal?
- Procedure check: Confirm your team's stop-work authority and no-retaliation procedures. How can someone pause unsafe work or report a hazard without retaliation? Clarify any gaps before the task begins.
- Comprehension check: How does the response differ between one insect flying nearby and an attack by several insects?
Agree on actions — adaptable planning checklist
- Review reported insect activity and identify any area to avoid without disturbing a suspected nest. Owner: Team to assign: ____ Due: Before relevant outdoor work or access: ____
- For any identified hive, coordinate safe removal and tell affected people how access will be managed. Owner: Team to assign: ____ Due: Team to agree: ____
- Confirm how to call emergency services, provide the exact location and arrange for someone to stay with a stung worker. Owner: Team to assign: ____ Due: Before relevant outdoor work or access: ____
Verification question: What evidence will confirm the reported hazard has been addressed before access or work resumes? Close-the-loop question: At the agreed follow-up time, who will report what was corrected and what still needs action?
Sources
- OSHA Accident 96943.015: Employee Is Stung by Bees and Dies from Allergic Reaction — OSHA. Accessed 2026-09-11. osha.gov
- OSHA Fatal Facts No. 17: Insect Sting — OSHA. Accessed 2026-09-11. osha.gov
- OSHA: Identifying Hazard Control Options — The Hierarchy of Controls — OSHA. Accessed 2026-09-11. osha.gov