Snakes in the workplace

admin • December 15, 2025

Snakes are a natural part of the Australian environment, but when they enter worksites, they can pose significant risks. Snakes are most commonly encountered in industries such as construction and agriculture, but snakes can appear in any workplace – including in offices, warehouses, outdoor work areas, or storage spaces. Warm weather increases snake activity, making encounters more likely during summer months.

The danger presented by snakes is very real, as snakebites can cause serious injury or death.


Common Risk Factors

There are certain workplace conditions which increase the likelihood of snakes appearing:

  • Vacant sites: Snakes often move into quiet areas during holiday breaks or weekends.
  • Shelter opportunities: Stored materials, rubble, sheds, and equipment provide dark, cool hiding spots.
  • Food sources: Mice, frogs, and other small animals attract snakes to worksites.
  • Hot weather: Snakes become bolder and more active in summer.

 

Prevention Strategies

As always, employers are required to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace. They can do this by adopting proactive measures:

  • Site housekeeping: Remove rubbish, debris, and unused materials where snakes could hide.
  • Control food sources: Limit rodent and frog populations by managing waste and water.
  • Protective gear: Wear gloves, boots and long pants when working outside or handling stored materials.
  • Awareness training: Inform workers about snake risks, especially after site closures or during hot weather.
  • First Aid training: ensure staff are trained in the initial response in the case of a bite.

 

If a snake is seen in the workplace

One of the most important safety messages is never provoke a snake. Most bites occur when people attempt to attack or handle snakes. If a snake is sighted:

  • Stop work in the area immediately.
  • Report the sighting to supervisors.
  • Contact local authorities or licensed snake catchers to remove the hazard.

 

First Aid for Snake Bites

Your workplace should have a trained First Aider. The initial first aid for a bite should include:

  • Lie the person down and keep them still.
  • Applying a broad, firm bandage around the bitten limb, about as tightly as for a sprained ankle.
  • Bandage over the bite site first and then bandage as much of the limb as possible, starting from below upwards.
  • Keep the victim still and calm and splint the limb if possible.
  • Do not cut, wash, or apply a tourniquet to the bite.
  • Access immediate medical care - dial 000.


Don’t forget that you will need to complete an incident report after a snake bite has occurred. Then, your risk management follow up processes should be followed.

A snake bite may be classified as a notifiable incident, in which case it must be reported to WorkSafe Victoria – call 13 23 60. 


Conclusion

Snakes are a real workplace hazard, especially in construction, agriculture, and outdoor industries. If your workplace is high risk for snakes then you are required to control the risk of snake bite.

  • Prevention and awareness are the best defence: keep sites clean, reduce food sources, and train workers.
  • Never provoke a snake—leave removal to professionals.
  • First aid knowledge can save lives in the event of a bite.

By treating snakes as a legitimate occupational hazard, workplaces can protect their workers from a potentially fatal hazard.


For more information, see the following resources:

Snakes at work: why you should never handle one yourself | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au

Snakes on sites - OHS Reps

Notifiable incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 | WorkSafe Victoria

https://stjohn.org.au/app/uploads/2025/08/Fact-sheets_snake-bite.pdf

Working in the cold

By admin • July 27, 2026
When Winter sweeps across Victoria, temperatures can drop sharply, especially in regional areas and early mornings. For outdoor workers, or those in cold storage and refrigerated environments, these conditions aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous if not managed properly. Working in a cold environment can lead to: Hypothermia : when body temperature drops below safe levels. Frostbite : damage to skin and tissue from freezing. Reduced dexterity : making tasks harder and increasing risk of incidents. Slips and falls : from ice, frost, or wet surfaces. Fatigue : as the body works harder to stay warm. Increase in prevalence of other conditions: such as arthritis and bronchitis. Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (The Act), employers must provide a safe working environment. This includes: Identifying cold-related hazards. Implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable. Follow a risk management process in relation to the hazard. Consult with your workforce throughout the process. When you have identified that you have a cold hazard in your workplace, you must control the risk as far as reasonably practicable. As, always this means working through the Hierarchy of Control from top to bottom. Here are some ways you could think about controlling the cold hazard in your workplace: Eliminate: Think about changing work scheduling if weather is extreme. Substitute: Think about whether you could move the work to another location. Isolate: Protect the workers from the cold, for example by providing shelter. Engineer: Can you provide heating or insulation in this work situation? Administrative controls: Could include changes to the workflow or rosters. Training must be provided, including training in the signs of cold stress and treatment. PPE: Such as weatherproof clothing, hats, face covers, boots, and allowing for drying or replacement of gear.  Don’t forget that, under The Act, Consultation must be undertaken at every step of the process. Monitoring of the controls must also occur, especially as conditions change. Frosts and wind chill factor should be taken into account, as well as seasonal or unexpected weather changes. Cold conditions in Victoria can be managed with the right planning, clothing, and awareness. Employers and workers share the responsibility to ensure everyone stays safe, warm, and healthy through the winter months. Health and safety representatives are a key part of the co-operative process required to create safe workplaces. For more information on this topic, take a look at: Cold - OHS Reps Extreme cold | Comcare For specific guidance regarding cold storage facilities: Safe operation of cold storage facilities: A handbook for workplaces | WorkSafe Victoria

ATVs on Farms

By admin • July 15, 2026
If you’ve spent any time on a Victorian farm, you know the quad bike is as common as the gum tree. It’s the workhorse that gets you from the dairy shed to the back paddock in minutes. But while ATVs save time and effort, they also carry serious risks, especially when safety takes a back seat. Studies have found that rollover and crush protection on quad bikes is saving lives, particularly in Victoria, where farm fatalities have been steadily declining. Yet, despite these improvements, quad bike incidents remain one of the leading causes of death and injury on Australian farms. Quad bikes (also called ATVs) are incredibly useful for mustering livestock, carrying supplies, and navigating rough terrain. But their stability can be deceptive, with uneven ground, high speeds, or heavy loads easily leading to rollovers. In Victoria, WorkSafe data shows that most fatal incidents involve the bike overturning and trapping the rider. Since October 2021, the national quad bike safety standard has required: Operator Protection Devices (OPDs) to reduce crush injuries in rollovers. Minimum stability requirements for new models. Warning labels about rollover risks. Victoria has been ahead of the curve, with strong farm safety campaigns and subsidies to help farmers retrofit OPDs. Practical Safety Tips for Victorian Farmers Always Wear a Helmet . Even at low speeds, head injuries can be fatal. Fit a Crush Protection Device . These can prevent you from being pinned under the bike. Match the Bike to the Job . Don’t overload or tow beyond the manufacturer’s limits. Ride to the Conditions . Slow down on slopes, wet ground, or unfamiliar tracks. Never Carry Passengers . Unless the ATV is specifically designed for more than one rider. Training Matters . Enrol in an accredited ATV safety course to sharpen your skills and make sure all operators have adequate training to operate the vehicle. Don’t forget that the employer has a duty to provide information, instruction and training to ensure that employees can work safely. Review the terrain before undertaking the task . Some areas of the farm may need to be strictly off-limits for ATV use. Look at alternative options . Some farmers are switching to side-by-side vehicles (SSVs), whic h offer seatbelts and roll cages. While not risk-free, they can be safer for certain tasks, provided operators still follow safety protocols. ATVs are here to stay on Victorian farms, but so is the responsibility to use them safely. With the right equipment, training, and by keeping safety front-of-mind you can make sure your quad bike remains a tool, not a threat. If you’re a Victorian farmer, check your quad bike today. Is it fitted with a crush protection device? Are you wearing a helmet every ride? Safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about coming home at the end of the day.  For more information, take a look at: New study finds safety protection on quad bikes is driving down farm deaths - ABC News How the new national quad bike safety standard affects farmers in Victoria | WorkSafe Victoria