The warmer weather is here and often there are thoughts of longer days and outdoor activities to enjoy. However, these warmer days bring about some dangers for those working outdoors.

I could talk about heat stress or severe thunderstorms, but we have all heard those talks before. I am talking about a different kind of danger that can be a real issue while working outdoors and that is snakes! Especially venomous snakes that can be a real threat if workers are not alert. 

A danger that often gets overlooked until it is too late is venomous snakes. Venomous snake bites and deaths have steadily increased over the last decade. One of the contributing factors is area growth. The new developments push snakes into other territories that they may not have gone otherwise. Severe weather is another significant factor. We’ve all had our share of weather events over the last couple of years and if workers happen to be working directly after severe weather you need to be extra cautious near wooded or overgrown brushy areas. 

Common poisonous snakes include copperhead, cottonmouth (water moccasins), coral and rattlesnakes.

What can employees do?

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Do not handle snakes (most bites occur when trying to handle snakes)
• Do not disregard bites from small/juvenile venomous snakes
• Wear PPE when removing brush or working close to wooded areas
• Be aware that snakes are more active in warmer weather and at night
• Make noise as this frightens snakes. (They can’t hear, but can feel the vibrations.)
• Exercise extreme caution when working after a natural disaster

What can you do if a co-worker is bitten?

• Move the victim away from the area to avoid being bitten yourself or a restrike to the victim
• Stay calm and call 911 – always treat snakebites as emergencies
• Have someone identify the snake. (Take a picture if it is safe.)
• Restrict movement and keep the bite area below the heart
• If possible, wash the bite with soap and water as soon as possible
• Cover with a clean, dry bandage

What not to do:

• Do not attempt to capture the snake. Secondary bites can happen this way 
• Do not apply ice to the bite area
• Do not apply a tourniquet
• Do not cut the bite wound and attempt to “suck” out the venom
• Do not immerse in water or other liquids
• Do not drink caffeine
• Do not take painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen as these can increase bleeding

For the most part, working outdoors should be safe because the old adage is true: Snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. Snakes will only bite if they are startled, feel threatened or cornered. Snakes are not inherently aggressive and will not be a threat unless they feel threatened because you’re too close. So, be careful if you are opening a pit, meter box, working near heavy brush or in a wooded area, especially after a storm.