Understanding which workplaces are likely to attract snakes is crucial for employee safety.
While encountering a snake at work might seem unlikely, certain workplace environments create ideal conditions for these reptiles to thrive.
Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes, making it crucial for at-risk workplaces to have proper first aid protocols and trained staff.
What’s the risk of snake bites in Australia?
Each year, around 3,000 Australians are bitten by snakes.
There are over 100 venomous species found in both rural and urban areas. Snake activity peaks during warmer months, increasing the risk for people who spend time in or near the outdoors.
All Australian workers are encouraged to be familiar with snake bite treatment and to keep a snake bite first aid kit on hand.
Why are snakes attracted to certain workplaces?
Snakes are attracted to environments that offer three key elements - shelter, food sources and suitable temperature conditions.
Workplaces that inadvertently provide these elements often become unintended snake habitats.
The combination of human activity and environmental factors can create perfect conditions for various snake species, from harmless pythons to venomous eastern brown snakes.
Construction sites top the list for snake encounters
Construction sites consistently rank among the most common workplaces for snake encounters in Australia.
According to WorkSafe Queensland, construction workers face a higher risk of snake encounters due to:
- Disturbed soil and vegetation during site clearing
- Building materials and debris providing ideal hiding spots
- Increased rodent activity around construction waste
- Water sources from temporary drainage and puddles
- Warm concrete surfaces for thermoregulation
Agricultural workplaces provide perfect snake conditions
Farms and agricultural settings create optimal environments for snakes, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas.
The Department of Primary Industries NSW reports that agricultural workers should be particularly vigilant because of:
- Abundant food sources including mice, rats and other small animals
- Multiple shelter options in sheds, hay bales and farm equipment
- Irregular human presence in certain areas
- Irrigation systems attracting prey animals
- Stack sites and storage areas providing ideal hiding spots
How warehouses and industrial sites attract snakes
Large industrial facilities and warehouses might seem unlikely places for snakes, yet they frequently attract these reptiles.
The combination of climate-controlled environments and abundant hiding spots makes these workplaces particularly attractive to snakes, especially during extreme weather conditions. Snakes are attracted due to:
- Large roller doors frequently opening and closing
- Gaps under exterior walls and doorways
- Loading dock recesses and cavities
- Warm machinery rooms and electrical cabinets
- Sun-heated metal surfaces for basking
- Water sources from condensation
- Food sources
Landscaping businesses face unique snake risks
Professional landscapers and gardening businesses encounter snakes more frequently than many other industries.
Regular interaction with vegetation, mulch and garden debris creates numerous opportunities for snake encounters. Key reasons snakes are attracted include:
- Dense ground cover and vegetation
- Composting areas
- Rock gardens and retaining walls
- Water features and irrigation systems
- Tool sheds and equipment storage
Snakes at educational institutions and school grounds
Schools, particularly those in suburban or semi-rural areas, regularly report snake encounters. They provide ideal snake habitats due to:
- Large, well-maintained grounds
- Multiple buildings with gaps and access points
- Regular food waste attracting rodents
- Sports fields and equipment storage areas
Healthcare facilities and hospital grounds attract snakes
Due to their environments and open spaces, healthcare facilities and hospital grounds also attract snakes. Hospital grounds frequently attract snakes because of:
- Large grounds with varied vegetation
- Constant human activity creating food waste
- Extensive landscaping
- Warm building exteriors
- Multiple entry points
Snakes in car parks and office spaces
Offices are not immune to snake activity. Office buildings and carparks create ideal environments for snakes.
These urban spaces offer an unexpected combination of shelter, warmth and food sources that make them particularly attractive to reptiles. Here’s why:
- Air conditioning outlets
- Garden beds and landscaping
- Gaps under doors and in wall cavities
- Irrigation systems attract prey
- Concrete surfaces retain heat for basking
- Wheel stops offer protected spaces
- Dropped food attracts mice and rats
- Surrounding vegetation provides cover
Climate change and workplace snake encounters
According to the CSIRO, changing climate patterns are influencing snake behaviour and habitat selection. This has led to:
- Increased snake activity in urban areas
- Extended active seasons
- Changes in traditional habitat preferences
- More frequent encounters in air-conditioned workplaces during extreme heat
Legal obligations for workplace snake management
Australian businesses and organisations have a legal duty of care.
This means they’re responsible for the health and safety of their employees. Australian workplace health and safety legislation requires employers to:
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Offer appropriate first aid training
- Provide access to suitable first aid kits
- Maintain emergency response procedures
- Document and report snake-related incidents
- Review and update safety protocols regularly
How to respond to a snake bite in the workplace
The Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) is the standard procedure for snake bite first aid in Australia.
1. Follow DRSABCD. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. If no breathing, start CPR.
2. If breathing, lie the patient down and keep them immobile. Do not remove clothing.
3. Do not cut, suck, clean or tourniquet the area.
4. If there is only one bandage available, apply the single bandage Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT):
- Starting at finger/toe tips, firmly wrap the bandage past the bite site along the limb as far as possible to immobilise and restrict venom flow
- Leave finger/toe tips exposed to check circulation
- X-mark the bite site on the bandage
5. If there’s more than one bandage, apply the double bandage Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT):
- Starting at the bite site, firmly wrap the limb in the first bandage, extending as far up and down the limb as possible
- Firmly wrap the second bandage from finger/toe tips past bite site, along the limb as far as possible to immobilise and restrict venom flow
- X-mark the bite site on the bandage
6. Splint the limb, keeping it immobilised and level with the rest of the body. Keep the patient reassured and completely still.
7. Do not attempt to catch or identify the snake.
8. Monitor patient’s breathing and prepare for CPR until ambulance arrives.
Essential workplace snake safety measures
Prevention strategies for high-risk workplaces include regular site maintenance, staff training and environmental modifications.
Regular site maintenance:
- Keep grass short
- Remove debris and clutter
- Seal potential entry points
- Maintain clean waste management systems
Staff training:
- Snake identification courses
- First aid certification
- Emergency response procedures
- Proper reporting protocols
Environmental modifications:
- Install snake-proof fencing where appropriate
- Create clear buffer zones
- Implement proper lighting
- Maintain organised storage areas
Conclusion
The presence of snakes in Australian workplaces is an ongoing challenge that requires careful management and understanding.
While certain industries face higher risks than others, no workplace is entirely immune to snake encounters.
Understanding which workplaces attract snakes is the first step in developing effective management strategies. By implementing appropriate safety measures and maintaining awareness, workplaces can significantly reduce the risk of snake encounters.
As our climate continues to change and urban development expands into natural habitats, the importance of effective workplace snake management will only grow.
Employers and employees who take a proactive approach to understanding and managing snake risks will be best positioned to maintain safe, productive workplaces.
References
ABC - Fatal snake bite at childcare centre focus of Workplace Health and Safety probe
CSIRO - Warm winters are waking snakes early
WorkSafe Queensland - Health and safety tips for the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry