The most recognizable of it's kind, provoking fear and fascination alike. Found in almost all work areas outdoors, rattlesnakes can be encountered in work environments across the US.
Snakes are naturally defensive animals, and most bites occur when a person accidentally surprises or threatens them. Workers in outdoor, rural, or heavily vegetated environments must know how to recognize risk areas, avoid unexpected encounters, and respond appropriately if a bite occurs.
Snakes may be found in tall grass, brush piles, debris, lumber stacks, water edges, abandoned structures, ditches, fields, or any location where they can hide and stay protected. Even non-venomous snakes can cause injury if startled, and venomous species pose a significantly higher risk.
For certain workers, there can be a very real opportunity to encounter venomous snakes. Any of the following work could expose individuals to the dangers of snakes while on the job.
- Forestry
- Landscaping
- Tree Trimming
- Grounds Keep
- Site Clearing
- General Housekeeping
- Road Construction
- Response to Natural Disasters
OSHA Standard 1926.21(b)(4) says that in job site areas where harmful plants or animals are present, employees who may be exposed shall be instructed regarding the potential hazards, and how to avoid injury, and the first aid procedures to be used in the event of injury.
Understanding the local snake species and where they are commonly found is essential, and one snake that outdoor workers should be especially aware of is the rattlesnake.
How to Identify a Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes make a distinct warning sound using their tails when they feel threatened.
There are many species of rattlesnakes in the United States and they are the most recognizable type of snake.
Rattlesnakes may be found sunning themselves near logs, boulders, or open areas.
Found in almost all work areas outdoors, rattlesnakes can be encountered across the United States including in the mountains, prairies, deserts and on beaches.
Safety Precautions for Snake Encounters
When covering the dangers of snake encounters during your safety meeting, make sure to emphasize these important points:
- Watch where you place your hands and feet when removing debris, picking up materials, or conducting outdoor housekeeping.
- Wear heavy gloves when handling brush, leaves, lumber piles, or anything snakes might hide under.
- Consider wearing boots at least 10 inches high, especially when working in areas near water or dense vegetation.
- Remember that snakes generally bite only when threatened. If you see a snake, slowly step back and give it space to move away.
- Never attempt to kill, capture, or relocate a snake because doing so dramatically increases the chance of being bitten.
Responding to Snake Bites
If you or a co-worker is bitten by a snake on the job:
- Call 911 immediately. Treat every bite from an unknown snake as serious.
- Try to note the color, pattern, or head shape of the snake to help medical professionals identify treatment, or have someone safely take a photo if possible.
- Keep the bite victim calm and still to slow the spread of venom.
- Place the victim in a reclining position with the bite below heart level.
- Cover the wound lightly with a clean, dry dressing.
- NEVER cut the wound, apply ice, use a tourniquet, or attempt to suck out the venom because these outdated methods can worsen the injury.
With proper awareness, training, and precautions, workers can reduce the risk of dangerous encounters with venomous snakes such as cottonmouths. Clear communication during safety meetings, combined with site-specific training and good housekeeping practices, helps keep everyone safe when working outdoors in snake-prone environments.
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