Outdoor workers are unique in that they regularly share their workplace with wasps, bees, hornets, and other stinging insects. Knowing how to react and treat stings is important for workers, especially because some people may be allergic.
“Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should wear an adrenaline auto-injector and a medical ID indicating their allergy,” says NIOSH.
The agency offers these tips to protect against stings:
- Wear clean, light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Do not use scented soaps, shampoos, and deodorants before work.
- Avoid working near flowering plants if possible.
- Keep the work areas clean. Some insects are attracted to discarded food.
- Stay calm if a stinging insect is flying around. If you hit it, it can sting. If multiple stinging insects are approaching, go indoors or in a shaded area.
- If there is an insect in your vehicle, stop slowly and open the windows.
Was a worker stabbed? If so:
- Ask someone to stay with them to make sure they don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Wash the stitch area with soap and water.
- Remove the stinger by swiping the area or by scratching a fingernail over the area. Do not press on the stinger or use tweezers.
- Apply ice to the stab area to reduce the swelling.
- Do not scratch as this can increase swelling, itching, and the risk of infection.
