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:

There are many different types of snakes, and not all of them are dangerous to humans. However, there are some things you can look out for that may indicate a snake is dangerous. These include:

• The snake is large and thick-bodied
• The snake has a triangular head
• The snake is brightly colored or has  patterns on its body
• The snake is making loud hissing noises

If you see a snake that meets any of these criteria, it’s best to stay away and call 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, bandage the wound as tightly as possible to slow the spread of venom.
• If the bite is on an extremity, try to keep the affected area below heart level if possible. This will help slow the spread of venom. 
• 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.

This Post Is Part Of A Series: 101 Toolbox Topic Ideas For The Construction Industry
Do you struggle to come up with toolbox talk ideas each week to discuss with your workers? Fear no more, Work Safety QLD is here to the rescue with 101 Free Toolbox Talk Ideas for the Construction Industry.