Man vs. Wild: Snakes on a Jobsite

As temperatures warm up in Texas and Arizona, our TDPartners must contend with a new type of hazard not normally present during the fall and winter months: snakes. Since April of this year, TDPartners have encountered snakes on their jobsites. No safety incident has occurred, but it’s a great reminder for everyone to remain cautious about the potential dangers snakes present.

The following are some tips from OSHA when working in areas that are more prone to snakes. These best practices are also great for using at home with the whole family:

• Watch where you place your hands and feet when removing debris. If possible, don't place your fingers under debris you are moving. Wear heavy gloves.
• If you see a snake, step back and allow it to proceed.
• Wear boots at least 10 inches high.
• Watch for snakes sunning on fallen trees, limbs or other debris.
• A snake's striking distance is about 1/2 the total length of the snake.
• If bitten, note the color and shape of the snake's head to help with treatment.
• Keep bite victims still and calm to slow the spread of venom in case the snake is poisonous. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom. Apply first aid: lay the person down so that the bite is below the level of the heart, and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

Contact your local animal control or pest control service when dealing with snakes. Call 911 or emergency services immediately in the event of snake bite.

Another view of the snake

Related: 

• Snake wrangling? No. What are the essential skills of tradespeople in the job market? Recruiter Jason Noha shares his views on the Blog. 
• Just like snakes, safety is no joke. Make a pledge to improve safety where you live and work: