Safety Bulletins

Multiple wasp stings requiring emergency medical treatment

Scottish Woodlands Health & Safety Toolbox Talk

A chainsaw operator was cutting scrub underneath an 11kV overhead powerline, next to a fence line. Hidden in the undergrowth was a wasps nest which he had unknowingly stood on.

Under the sound of his saw, with ear defenders on and his face visor down, he did not notice the wasp swarm. He initially thought the fence had been electrified against stock, and that he was receiving minor electric shocks from this, he worked on for a moment trying to avoid contact with the fence, it was only when he was continuing to feel sharp pains away from the fence did he realise that he was being stung.

He received over 40 stings in total.

Read the full toolbox talk for more detail and recommendation to seek medical observation for multiple stings due to delayed reactions.

Previous Article Near miss – vehicle runs red light
Next Article Tilhill Safety Bulletin - January 2023
Print

Latest Bulletins

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

If you drive any type of vehicle for your living, or have responsibility for others that drive, you should ensure you are aware of the condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS).
More associated with HGV drivers who are driving long distances, the condition can also affect others who drive for long stints during the day too, such as harvester and forwarder drivers.

Read more