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HSE Precautions & First Aid for Scorpions:

Scorpions usually hide during the day and are active at night. They may be hiding under
rocks, wood, or anything else lying on the ground. Some species may also burrow into the
ground. Most scorpions live in dry, desert areas. However, some species can be found in
grasslands, forests, and inside caves.

What is Scorpion Sting?

 Scorpion Stings are wounds or reactions caused on contact with a scorpion. It is
generally a very uncommon incident.
 Scorpions are found all over the world, but many avoid human habitats. Some
scorpion species share their habitat with humans and can inflict a painful sting with
their tail, injecting venom (which is generally a neurotoxin) in the process.
 In many cases, the effect of the venom is not life-threatening in humans. However,
some scorpions are potent enough to cause severe symptoms and even death.

Symptoms:
Symptoms of a scorpion sting may include:

 Pain, burning and tingling sensation at the sting site, if the condition is mild
 Swelling at the sting site; red marks and intense pain (typically a single red dot at the
sting site may be observed)
 Breathing difficulties; absence of breathing
 Irregular heart rate
 Urination difficulties; reduced urine level
 Blurring of vision, rapid eye movement
 Increased salivation from the mouth
 Diarrhoea
 Stomach or abdominal pain
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 Feeling restless and dizzy

 Stiff muscles; muscle contraction from effects of the venom
 Convulsions and paralysis
These symptoms usually subside within 48 hours, although stings from a bark scorpion can
be life-threatening.

First Aid:
Workers should take the following steps if they are stung by a scorpion:

 Contact to emergency response team immediately.

 Clean the sting site with soap and water.
 Elevate the limb, if the sting is on the extremities.
 Apply a tight bandage slightly above the site of the sting, to stop the venom from
spreading. However, care must be taken to ensure that the bandage is not too tight
and it does not prevent blood flow.
 Put a wet, cold cloth on the affected area (avoid the use of ice).
 In case of breathing difficulties, the affected individual may require a CPR (which
should be performed by a trained professional).
 Remain relaxed and calm.
 Do not take any sedatives.

How can Scorpion Sting Be Prevented?

Scorpion Stings may be prevented by the following measures.

 Being alert, if you are in scorpion-infested area, particularly containing dangerous

scorpion species.
 Avail pest control in areas where the scorpions are found in large numbers.
 Wear clothes that cover the entire body while outdoors.
 Avoid wearing clothes or shoes that have been lying around undisturbed for a while,
without first inspecting them thoroughly.
 Do not reach into dark nooks/corners/recesses with your bare hands/foot.
 Do not let clutter accumulate in various parts of the site.