Snakes in the workplace: what to do if you encounter one

What to do if you see a snake at work

If you see a snake in your workplace, the first thing you should do is stay calm. Snakes are more scared of you than you are of them, and they will usually try to get away from humans if given the chance. If the snake is in an area where people are working, call a professional snake handler for assistance.

How to keep snakes out of the workplace

To avoid encountering snakes in the workplace, there are a few things you can do. First, try to keep your workspace clean and free of clutter. Snakes like to hide in dark, small spaces, so keeping your workplace clean will make it less appealing to them.

You should also be aware of your surroundings when you’re working outside or in areas where snakes are known to live. If you see a snake, don’t approach it and instead give it a wide berth. And finally, if you work in an area where snakes are common, consider wearing protective clothing, like long pants and boots.

How to tell if a snake is dangerous

You cannot reliably tell a harmless snake from a venomous one by its size, colour, head shape or behaviour, and many venomous Australian snakes have none of these features. Treat every snake as potentially dangerous, do not approach or try to catch it, keep people well clear, and call a licensed snake catcher for help.

What to do if you are bitten by a snake

• Call for an ambulance. Even if you don’t think the bite is serious, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• While waiting for help to arrive, apply a firm pressure immobilisation bandage, starting at the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and covering as much of the limb as possible. It should be as firm as a bandage for a sprained ankle, not a tourniquet.
• Keep the person calm and still and keep the bitten limb as still as possible; do not raise or lower it. Do not cut or wash the bite and do not use an arterial tourniquet.
• Do not move around.
• Do not attempt to suck the venom out.

Encountering a snake in the workplace can be a scary experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By staying calm and following the appropriate procedures, you can make sure everyone stays safe.

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