Snakes in the workplace

admin • December 15, 2025

Snakes are a natural part of the Australian environment, but when they enter worksites, they can pose significant risks. Snakes are most commonly encountered in industries such as construction and agriculture, but snakes can appear in any workplace – including in offices, warehouses, outdoor work areas, or storage spaces. Warm weather increases snake activity, making encounters more likely during summer months.

The danger presented by snakes is very real, as snakebites can cause serious injury or death.


Common Risk Factors

There are certain workplace conditions which increase the likelihood of snakes appearing:

  • Vacant sites: Snakes often move into quiet areas during holiday breaks or weekends.
  • Shelter opportunities: Stored materials, rubble, sheds, and equipment provide dark, cool hiding spots.
  • Food sources: Mice, frogs, and other small animals attract snakes to worksites.
  • Hot weather: Snakes become bolder and more active in summer.

 

Prevention Strategies

As always, employers are required to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace. They can do this by adopting proactive measures:

  • Site housekeeping: Remove rubbish, debris, and unused materials where snakes could hide.
  • Control food sources: Limit rodent and frog populations by managing waste and water.
  • Protective gear: Wear gloves, boots and long pants when working outside or handling stored materials.
  • Awareness training: Inform workers about snake risks, especially after site closures or during hot weather.
  • First Aid training: ensure staff are trained in the initial response in the case of a bite.

 

If a snake is seen in the workplace

One of the most important safety messages is never provoke a snake. Most bites occur when people attempt to attack or handle snakes. If a snake is sighted:

  • Stop work in the area immediately.
  • Report the sighting to supervisors.
  • Contact local authorities or licensed snake catchers to remove the hazard.

 

First Aid for Snake Bites

Your workplace should have a trained First Aider. The initial first aid for a bite should include:

  • Lie the person down and keep them still.
  • Applying a broad, firm bandage around the bitten limb, about as tightly as for a sprained ankle.
  • Bandage over the bite site first and then bandage as much of the limb as possible, starting from below upwards.
  • Keep the victim still and calm and splint the limb if possible.
  • Do not cut, wash, or apply a tourniquet to the bite.
  • Access immediate medical care - dial 000.


Don’t forget that you will need to complete an incident report after a snake bite has occurred. Then, your risk management follow up processes should be followed.

A snake bite may be classified as a notifiable incident, in which case it must be reported to WorkSafe Victoria – call 13 23 60. 


Conclusion

Snakes are a real workplace hazard, especially in construction, agriculture, and outdoor industries. If your workplace is high risk for snakes then you are required to control the risk of snake bite.

  • Prevention and awareness are the best defence: keep sites clean, reduce food sources, and train workers.
  • Never provoke a snake—leave removal to professionals.
  • First aid knowledge can save lives in the event of a bite.

By treating snakes as a legitimate occupational hazard, workplaces can protect their workers from a potentially fatal hazard.


For more information, see the following resources:

Snakes at work: why you should never handle one yourself | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au

Snakes on sites - OHS Reps

Notifiable incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 | WorkSafe Victoria

https://stjohn.org.au/app/uploads/2025/08/Fact-sheets_snake-bite.pdf

Engineered Stone - Anniversary of The Ban

By admin • June 29, 2026
Today is the anniversary of the banning of Engineered Stone. On the 1 st July 2024, Engineered Stone was banned due to the high levels of silica it contained, which presented a health and safety risk to those working with it. The banning of engineered stone is a huge win for the safety and health of workers, but it does not mean that workers are safe from silica related disease. Workers can still be exposed to silica from other sources, including: Stone Asphalt Cement, mortar and grout Concrete, concrete blocks and cement products Bricks and pavers Tiles Sand These and related products still present a risk and this comes in the form of respirable crystalline silica. Small particles of silica can be produced when dust is produces through cutting, sanding or processing the materials. This can occur during manufacturing and construction, when mining or digging, and when handling waste. The silica dust can be breathed deep into the lungs and can cause serious disease., including silicosis, fibrosis, COPD, bronchitis and lung cancer. In addition, it can cause other systemic diseases including serious effects on the kidneys, immune system, eyes, etc. Employers must control the risk of exposure and workers should be aware of the risks so that they can make sure that they are safe. BeSafe is still horrified to occasionally see dry cutting by workers who may not be aware of the serious risks of this practice. Just remember, that just because engineered stone has been banned, it doesn’t mean you are safe from silica related disease. Make sure you know how to protect yourself and stay safe from this serious and deadly hazard. More information: For the general information page with resources relating to crystalline silica, take a look at: Crystalline silica | WorkSafe Victoria For information relating to how employers must identify hazards, assess risk, control the risk and review and revise controls regularly, take a look at: Preparing a crystalline silica hazard control statement for high-risk crystalline silica work | WorkSafe Victoria For a practical guide on how to safely work with engineered stone, including exemptions, take a look at Compliance code: Engineered stone | WorkSafe Victoria

Welding Fumes

By admin • June 15, 2026
Welding fumes are hazardous, and employers must control the risk of harm. Various types of welding are used in the workplace, with varying levels of welding fume production. The amount and type of fumes produced during welding will vary based on various factors including: the metals being welded, the welding process used, the composition of the welding rod/wire, the shielding gases used and any contaminants or coating on the metal, etc. There are a number of health effects which may occur due to exposure to welding fumes. These include both short-term and long-term affects Short term: eye irritation, respiratory irritation, metal fume fever (zinc oxide). Long term: siderosis (iron accumulation in the body), lung and kidney cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, pneumonia. The likelihood of developing damaging health effects from welding will depend on the type of welding being used (and therefore the type of fumes produced), the duration and frequency of exposure, the worker’s proximity to the fumes, the ventilation of the welding area, and any controls which were utilised during the exposure. Welding fumes are a hazardous substance and must be controlled according to the hierarchy of controls. Controls may include: Eliminating the need for welding if possible, for example by using different fastening methods or prefabricated components. Substituting the welding method, for example by using a method which generates less fumes, or using automation methods. Engineering controls including mechanical ventilation such as on-torch extraction or local exhaust ventilation. PPE should be provided by the workplace and includes the use of air fed ventilators. The use of respirators such as Powered Air Purifying Respirators can be used but only in addition to a higher-order control, or if higher-order controls are not possible. Other types of respirators are available but less effective. Several different controls may need to be used and as with any controls, training must be provided on their implementation. Atmospheric monitoring may also be required to monitor exposure levels in the workplace and health monitoring must also be carried out in accordance with the OHS Regulations 2017 Part 4.1 - Hazardous Substances.  Consultation with the workforce, including any elected health and safety representatives, must take place in accordance with requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. For more information on welding fumes, take a look at the following links: https://youtu.be/0tvrOw18Vr0?si=oK_v3vkbGebCzuMf Controlling exposure to welding fumes | WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code: Hazardous substances | WorkSafe Victoria - Welding fumes | Safe Work Australia