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Incident Record

Landscaping worker dies of cardiac arrest after bee-allergy triggered by swarm while mulching roadside cuttings on tractor

An employee driving a tractor while mulching cuttings on a road was attacked by a swarm of bees along with two coworkers. He died of cardiac arrest due to his allergy to bee stings. OSHA cited the employer for two other-than-serious violations.

Record ID: CA-RIVERSIDE-2022-1004
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This record is part of a first-pass incident research dataset. Records, categories, and source notes may be updated as additional information is reviewed and verified.
Date 10/4/2022
Location 50th Ave. & Fillmore St., Thermal, CA, Riverside County, CA
State CA
Record Type Fatal Attack (Occupational)
Trigger / Activity Tree Work / Landscaping / Brush Clearing
Severity Fatality
Bee ID Status Bee ID Unknown
Aggression Classification Severe defensive attack (swarm) + allergic reaction

Incident Summary

An employee driving a tractor while mulching cuttings on a road was attacked by a swarm of bees along with two coworkers. He died of cardiac arrest due to his allergy to bee stings. OSHA cited the employer for two other-than-serious violations.

Public-Safety Lesson

First Thermal, CA (Coachella Valley/Riverside County) attack record distinct from the existing Hadley Date Gardens fatality in the same general area - shows this is a recurring regional risk, not a single incident.

Impact Flags

Human Fatality Yes
Human Hospitalized No (died at scene)
Animal Fatality No
Responder Involved No

Source Information

Source: OSHA

Source Strength: A