SNAKES
Agenda
• Introduction
• Statistics
• Venomous Florida Snakes
• OSHA recommended safety procedures
• Summary
Introduction
• In hot and temperate zones, snakebites may
constitute a definite hazard for certain
categories of workers, including those in
construction.
• The vast majority of snakes are harmless to
humans, although a number are capable of
inflicting serious injury with their
venomous bites
Statistics
• 7000 venomous snake
bites are reported annually
in the U.S.
• 15 fatalities occur on
average. This puts the
chance of survival at
roughly 499 out of 500.
• Approximately 3000 are
classed as “illegitimate,”
meaning these bites
occurred while the victim
was handling or molesting
the snake.
Statistics
• 85% of the natural bites
are below the knee.
• 50% of the bites are dry.
Injecting venom is a
voluntary reflex and it is
suspected that because
strikes against humans are
generally defensive
actions that no venom is
purposely injected about
half the time.
Florida Snakes
• Cottonmouth a.k.a.
Water Moccasin
• A dark-colored,
heavy-bodied snake
• Thick head distinctly
broader than the neck,
when viewed from
above, the eyes cannot
be seen.
Florida Snakes
• Eastern Coral Snake
• The amount of venom
injected is directly related
to the size of the snake
and the length of time it
holds on to the victim.
• Usually found under
debris and in the ground,
but occasionally they are
found in the open, and
have even been seen
climbing the trunks of live
oaks.
Other Venomous FL Snakes
• Southern Copperhead
• Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
• Timber Rattlesnake
• Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake
Safety Procedures
• 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.
Safety Procedures
• 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.
Safety Procedures
• 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.
Summary
• Although 45 species of snakes are found in
Florida, only the 6 listed here are venomous
and a danger to humans
• The remaining 39 species are harmless and
should be protected for the beneficial role
they play in natural ecosystems
• Don’t bother snakes and they won’t bother
you!
Thank you