Venomous Snakes: Employer & Worker Recommendations

Recommendations

Employer Recommendations

Employers should protect their workers from venomous snake bites by training them about:

• their risk of being bitten by venomous snakes,
• how to identify venomous snakes,
• how to prevent snake bites, and
• what they should do if they see a snake or if a snake bites them.

Worker Recommendations

Workers should take these steps to prevent a snake bite:

• Do not touch or handle any snake.
• Stay away from tall grass and piles of leaves when possible.
• Avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding.
• Be aware that snakes tend to be most active at dawn and dusk and in warm weather.
• Wear boots and long pants when working outdoors. Even denim jeans may prevent some, although not all, bites by smaller snakes.
• Wear leather gloves when handling brush and debris.