Bee Aware Campaign

As we move through the Spring season we all need to be mindful of the hazards associated with biting insects. To draw awareness to these insects we are implementing a BEE Aware campaign to help us identify those who are more susceptible to having an adverse reaction if bit/ stung. Any employee who knows they are allergic to insects will be provided a “Bee Aware” sticker like the image shown here.

We are hopeful that this will allow us to react quickly and appropriately if one of these people was to have an allergic reaction while on the job.

• Be alert for insects coming in and out of an opening such as a crack in a wall, or the hole in a utility box.

• Listen for the hum of an active bee colony.

• Look for bees in holes in the ground, holes in trees, and sheds.

• If encountering a bee’s nest, try to work in the early morning or skip the area until the next day.

• Ensure you have a can of Bee/Wasp deterrent spray on your truck before the workday.

Bees, Spiders and Other Insect Bites

The best way to deal with bees is to avoid them or use specific repellents. Always perform a thorough assessment of the worksite – look for insect activity!

These spray repellents will knock out bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets cold. The blast from the can will spray 10 feet or more. It is a fast, safe way to eliminate wasps and bees.

If you know you are allergic to insect bites, then you are aware that an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) begins within 1 to 15 minutes of a sting. Anaphylaxis can lead to collapse, stopped breathing, seizures and loss of consciousness in 1 to 2 minutes. This reaction can be fatal. If you are allergic, you must carry a special kit with an epinephrine injector (EpiPen).

EpiPens are prescribed by a doctor to an individual to counteract the allergic reaction. If you have an EpiPen, periodically inspect it to make sure that it is within its expiration date.

Before starting work, tell all your co-workers that you are allergic and where you keep your auto-injector (EpiPen®/Anapen®).

Crew members with known sting allergies shall have the “Bee Aware” decal on his/her hard-hat.

Keep your auto-injector nearby – on your person or in your truck.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, use and disposal of your autoinjector.

If you are stung, do not delay, immediately inject the epinephrine. Follow package instructions on how and where to inject this device. The injection should be effective for 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are unsure if you are allergic to bee stings or insect bites, report the incident immediately to your Foreperson.

Finn There, Done That -

In January, our crews headed to Massachusetts for storm response work from Winter Storm Finn. Photo credit to Ryan Skipper, Supervisor, from Region 3.

Bragging Rights -

“I wanted to brag on the crew that worked in Sylva, NC last week. They worked for a few days around my office and were careful to keep the area clean and did an excellent job cleaing up at the end of the day. I especially thank the crew for leaving the area last Thursday during the funeral of a beloved pastor in our county. This crew represented your company well.

~Gerald Morris