Page 1680 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive
P. 1680
Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 634
23 August 2018
False Widow Spiders
We have issued a few bulletins in the past about False Widow spiders (see http://xmostrata.com/false-
widow-spiders-3/). Recently we had a crew report what they suspect may be False Widow spiders
inside sign on site. The spiders were spotted after removing the bottom panel of a MID on a site near
Hastings, East Sussex. After removing the panel a significant number of spiders and webs were found.
From previous bulletins the crew recognised the hazard these could represent and took steps to reduce
their exposure. The MID the spiders were found in was due to be replaced and although False Widow
spiders are not normally aggressive, they will bite if they are trapped, prodded or provoked (such as by
removing panels from their nest).
A False Widow bite causes numbness, severe swelling and various levels of burning or chest pain. The
swelling can be something as big as a tennis ball, but rarely needs surgery and there are no known
fatalities in the UK from a False Widow bite.
