A Date Palm Worker Dies After Being Stung by Bees

SUMMARY

A date palm tree worker died after being stung by numerous bees while working in an organic date orchard. The victim and a co-worker were spraying the dates with high-pressure water when the incident occurred. The victim was reportedly allergic to bee stings and his employer was unaware of his medical condition. The victim was not carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, and the co-worker or others on the farm were not trained in emergency response for bee stings. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent similar future incidents, agricultural employers should ensure the following:

• Workers who are allergic to insect stings or bites should be advised to visit a health care professional to obtain a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector, carry it with them at all times, and inform their employer and co-workers of their allergy to insect stings or bites.
• A hazard assessment, prevention steps, and incident response plan for insect stings and bites should be incorporated into the company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).

A Date Palm Worker Dies After Being Stung by Bees – Californiapdf icon [PDF 268 KB]