A European wasp nest near a fire exit, loading dock, outdoor staff area, playground or public footpath creates an immediate sting risk to staff, customers and members of the public — and the occupier of the site carries the duty of care. Unlike many pest issues, a wasp nest cannot wait for the next scheduled service: paper wasp and European wasp colonies become aggressively defensive as they grow through spring and summer, and a single disturbance event can put multiple people in hospital.

Commercial sites attract wasps for structural reasons. Wall voids, eaves, awning channels, roller-door housings, cable trays, shipping container gaps and roof cavities all provide sheltered nest sites, while outdoor food areas, waste docks and sugary liquids around beverage handling provide forage. Sites near parkland, bushland and waterways — including many Sydney business parks and schools — see heavy seasonal pressure from October through to April.

The liability is compounded by response failures. Untrained staff attempting DIY removal is one of the most common causes of multiple-sting incidents on work sites. Every nest event needs a licensed technician, an exclusion zone, the correct treatment method for the species and nest location, and a written record so the incident can be closed out properly in your WHS register.