DANGERS OF SNAKES
There are many different kinds of wildlife that can pose a danger to workers in the United States. Different geographical regions deal with different types of wildlife. Snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, can be a major concern for many different workers across the U.S. It is important to consider if snakes could be in your work area and what steps need to be taken to prevent any type of injury or incident due to them.
Snake Bites in the United States
Some countries have many more types of venomous snakes than the U.S. There are still a few kinds of venomous snakes found in the United States including rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. It is estimated that around 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year in the United States. However, due to effective anti-venom and medical treatment, only an average of 5 people die as a result of a bite. Dr. JoAnn Schulte, a medical epidemiologist, states that if anti-venom is needed a hospital bill can easily reach over $100,000 dollars.
While many of the bites by venomous snakes occur off the job, and a large number of the people who are bit are children, many workers are at risk of coming into contact with one of these snakes. Any employee who spends a lot of time outside, especially in warmer climates of the U.S., is more at risk of coming across one of these snakes.
Other Hazards of Snakes in the Workplace
Not all snakes are venomous, and the majority of snakes you will see in your life will be non-venomous. There are still hazards created by these kinds of snakes as well. One of these hazards is the sheer surprise or fear that these creatures can create in people.
For example, you are moving sheet metal next to a garage. You pull up the last piece of sheet metal only to find a five-foot-long black snake inches away from your hand. You jump back, trip over a pipe, and smack your head, requiring stitches. Also, some snakes, like a black snake, have small jagged teeth that can leave lacerations that may need medical attention if bitten.
Safeguards to Protect Yourself from Snakes
The main way to avoid a bite by a snake is just to leave the snake alone if removal is necessary, contact a professional to remove the snake, especially if it is poisonous.
Always wear protective toe boots, long pants, and a long shirt when working in areas where snakes are typically found. Clothing will help reduce the impact of a snake’s bite.
Always do a work area inspection prior to starting work. Look for signs of wildlife in your work area and always be careful when moving materials outdoors where wildlife can live.
Discussion point:
-Does anyone know a person who has been bitten by a venomous snake?
Florida has a rich diversity of snakes and other reptiles which play an interesting and vital role in Florida's complex ecology. Our 44 species of native snakes are found in every conceivable habitat, from coastal mangroves and saltmarshes to freshwater wetlands and dry uplands, and many species thrive in residential areas. However, there are just a few species that are commonly seen in developed area, although any snake may occasionally be found in urban settings.
Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky pygmy rattlesnake