Bites and Stings Prevention and Treatment Safe Work Method Statement

For workplace safety purposes, treat ALL snakes as potentially dangerous regardless of appearance. Australia has no reliable field identification methods that untrained workers can use to distinguish venomous from non-venomous species with certainty, and the consequences of misidentification are potentially fatal. Whilst Australia has approximately 140 species of land snakes with about 100 classified as venomous, even small or juvenile snakes can deliver dangerous bites. Some supposed identification rules are unreliable myths: triangular head shape is not definitive as some venomous snakes have rounded heads whilst some non-venomous have angular heads; coloration varies widely within species making color-based identification unreliable; size does not indicate venom danger as juvenile brown snakes are as dangerous as adults. The few non-venomous snakes in Australia (pythons and blind snakes primarily) still bite defensively causing painful injuries and infection risks. Recommended approach: if a snake is encountered, back away slowly without sudden movements allowing snake to retreat; do not attempt to identify, catch, photograph at close range, or kill the snake; maintain minimum 3-metre distance from any snake; if snake bites occur, apply pressure immobilisation first aid for ALL species as this is effective for all Australian venomous snakes; seek medical assessment for all snake bites regardless of whether snake was identified. If snake identification is needed for medical purposes, photographs taken from safe distance using camera zoom may assist, but never delay first aid or medical transport to obtain photographs. Hospitals stock polyvalent antivenom effective against all Australian venomous snake species, so species identification, whilst helpful, is not essential for treatment.

Pressure immobilisation technique (PIT) is the definitive first aid for Australian snake bites, designed to slow venom movement through lymphatic system whilst maintaining blood circulation, preventing the tissue damage and complications associated with tourniquets. The technique involves applying firm compression bandage to entire bitten limb starting from bite site (if identifiable) or furthest extremity, wrapping firmly upward with pressure similar to sprained ankle bandaging—firm enough to restrict lymphatic flow but not so tight as to cut off blood supply. A properly applied pressure bandage allows one finger to be inserted beneath the wrapping and does not cause numbness, tingling, or color changes indicating arterial compromise. After bandaging entire limb, apply rigid splint preventing any joint movement as muscle activity pumps venom through lymph system. This differs fundamentally from tourniquets which are designed to completely stop blood flow to control severe bleeding. Tourniquets are deliberately very tight, cause pain and tissue damage if left in place, and must be periodically released to restore circulation. Pressure immobilisation bandages remain in place continuously until victim reaches hospital under medical supervision. Why the difference matters: Australian snake venoms travel primarily through lymphatic system rather than bloodstream, so restricting lymph flow without stopping blood flow effectively traps venom at bite site whilst maintaining limb viability. Tourniquets do not prevent venom spread, cause unnecessary limb damage including potential for amputation if left too long, and create sudden massive venom release when removed causing rapid severe symptoms. Never use tourniquets for snake bites. Only use proper compression bandages designed for pressure immobilisation (firm elasticized bandages, not standard crepe bandages which are too stretchy and lose compression). Australian Venom Research Unit provides instruction cards and videos demonstrating correct technique which should be studied by all outdoor workers.

Under WHS legislation, PCBUs must eliminate or minimise health risks so far as reasonably practicable. For workers with diagnosed severe allergic reactions to insect stings, this includes ensuring adrenaline auto-injectors are immediately available during work in outdoor environments where sting exposure is reasonably foreseeable. Workers with known insect venom allergies should be identified through pre-employment medical questionnaires or during annual health declarations. These workers must provide medical documentation from treating doctors confirming allergy severity and prescription for adrenaline auto-injector. Responsibility for auto-injector provision typically rests with worker as prescribed medical treatment covered by pharmaceutical benefits scheme or private health insurance depending on individual circumstances. However, PCBUs should ensure workers understand the critical importance of carrying auto-injectors and may choose to provide backup units stored in first aid kits for additional safety. Best practice involves: worker carrying personal prescribed auto-injector in protective case on belt or vest ensuring immediate access; worker educating all crew members on auto-injector location and use in case worker becomes incapacitated; PCBU maintaining backup auto-injector in site first aid kit with documented procedures for use; regular expiry date checks ensuring both worker and site units remain current; medical action plans documented and accessible to supervisors; and work allocation considerations potentially avoiding placement of highly allergic workers in highest-risk activities (nest removal, peak wasp season vegetation work). Workers who develop allergies during employment should immediately notify employers and obtain medical treatment including auto-injector prescription. Costs for auto-injectors vary ($80-150 per unit depending on brand and subsidy status) with most workers requiring two units (one for immediate use, second for delayed reaction or insufficient first dose response). Some workers may be reluctant to disclose allergies fearing work restriction—employers should emphasize that disclosure enables appropriate support rather than employment limitation.

Wasp nest removal should always be performed by licensed pest control professionals rather than landscaping workers due to extreme aggression European wasps display when nests are threatened and the serious injury risks from mass stinging attacks. When nests are discovered during landscaping work, implement immediate protocol: establish exclusion zone minimum 10 metres radius around nest location using barrier tape and warning signs; notify site supervisor and client of nest discovery; suspend work in affected area until nest is professionally removed; engage licensed pest control operator holding appropriate licenses for wasp treatment; and do not resume work until pest controller confirms nest elimination. Professional pest controllers use specialized equipment and techniques including: protective bee suits providing full body coverage including sealed veils protecting face and neck; long-range spray equipment allowing treatment from safe distances; specific insecticide formulations effective against wasps; and nighttime treatment timing when wasps are less active and most colony members are present in nest. DIY wasp nest removal attempts by untrained workers frequently result in serious incidents including: mass attacks causing dozens or hundreds of stings requiring hospitalization; anaphylaxis reactions in previously undiagnosed allergic individuals; falls from ladders or heights when fleeing attacking wasps; and incomplete nest destruction allowing colony to recover and attack subsequent workers. Costs for professional wasp nest removal are typically $150-400 depending on nest size and accessibility—modest investment compared to workers compensation claims, lost productivity, and potential litigation following serious stinging incidents. Include nest removal costs in project budgets rather than expecting workers to handle this extreme hazard. In areas with known high wasp populations (particularly southern states during late summer peak activity), consider pre-emptive site treatments before commencing landscaping to eliminate nests before disturbance. Brief workers on wasp nest indicators including flight paths with multiple wasps following consistent routes, paper-like nest structures in trees or eaves, and ground-level holes with wasp traffic indicating underground nests. Early detection allows professional treatment before nests reach maximum size and aggression levels.

Comprehensive snake awareness training for landscaping workers should include theoretical knowledge and practical skills covering: identification of common venomous species in the work region including eastern brown, western brown, tiger, red-bellied black, taipan, death adder, and copperhead snakes using photos and descriptions; snake behavior and activity patterns including seasonal variations (most active spring-summer), temperature preferences (basking in morning sun, seeking cool shade in heat), and defensive responses (rapid retreat preferred but will bite if cornered or stepped on); habitat recognition identifying rockeries, timber piles, dense vegetation, water features, and construction debris as high-risk areas; safe work procedures including visual inspection before handling materials, use of long-handled tools, noise-making to alert snakes, maintaining escape routes, and never cornering or attempting to catch snakes; pressure immobilisation technique with hands-on practice on willing volunteers demonstrating bandage application, splinting, marking, and patient management; recognition of envenomation symptoms including local pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, drooping eyelids, collapse; emergency response procedures including calling 000, transporting to hospital, communicating with medical staff; and myth-busting addressing dangerous misconceptions such as 'baby snakes are more dangerous' (false—venom potency is consistent across ages), 'triangular head means venomous' (unreliable), or 'you must identify snake for treatment' (helpful but not essential). Initial training duration should be minimum 2-3 hours delivered by qualified trainers such as reptile specialists, workplace first aid trainers with snake bite specialization, or experienced field biologists. Hands-on practice with pressure immobilisation using training bandages on volunteers is essential—theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient for stress response situations. Refresher training should occur annually for workers in high-snake-density areas, or every 2-3 years for lower-risk regions. Brief toolbox-meeting-level refreshers should occur quarterly reviewing pressure immobilisation steps and seasonal snake activity warnings. Some training providers offer specialized programs including identification of local species, habitat modification techniques, and nest/shelter removal. Maintain training records documenting completion dates, topics covered, and competency assessments for regulatory compliance. Consider engaging wildlife management consultants for site-specific assessments providing detailed information on local snake species, population densities, and targeted controls for particular properties.