You leave me alone and Ill leave you alone! If only it were that simple. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 7,000 to 8,000 people in the United States are bitten by venomous snakes a year. Of those, about five of the bites are fatal.
These statistics provide good reason for employers to train their employees and to follow these tips about recognizing venomous snakes when working outdoors, what to do to avoid bites, and what to do if you are bitten.
There are four types of poisonous snakes to be aware of when working outdoors: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths or water moccasins, and coral snakes. Rattlesnakes are the largest. They can strike at a distance, and they get their name from the rattle on their tail that they shake when they feel threatened. They can be found hiding away or right out in the open almost anywhere youd be working: the mountains, prairies, deserts and beaches.
Copperheads are about the length of a yardstick, and have an hourglass pattern down the length of their reddish to golden tan body. Although not aggressive, they are responsible for a lot of snake bites because they camouflage themselves well. When someone steps near or on them without realizing it, they get bitten. Copperheads live in the eastern states and as far west as Texas.
Cottonmouths or water moccasins are true to their name. They live in wet areas throughout the southeastern states. They are dark tan, brown or black with dark-colored cross bands. Since these venomous snakes don't scare easily, you should head the other way -- and fast -- if you see one.Coral snakes look similar to nonvenomous king snakes. Both have red, yellow and black stripes just in a different order. If you're quick on your feet and can think before reacting, the rule is "Red next to yellow, kill a fellow; red on black means venom lack." Coral snakes hang around wooded, sandy and marshy places in the South.Most people know when they've been bitten by a snake, but in the shock of the moment you may wonder what just happened. Signs of snake bites are a pair of puncture marks, redness, swelling and severe pain in that area, nausea and vomiting, labored breathing and unclear vision, increased salivation and sweating, and numbness or tingling around your extremities.Here are tips from the Centers for Disease Control to prevent snake bites and what to do if you are bitten by a venomous snake when working outdoors.To prevent snakes bites, DO: Leave snakes alone and get away from them since they can strike at a distance. Stay out of tall grass and piles of leaves, rocks and wood where snakes often hang out. Wear leather gloves, thick boots and long pants when working outdoors and especially around these conditions. Look out for snakes especially in warmer weather and during the evening when they are more active.If bitten, DO:
Get medical help; do not wait for symptoms to start since they may advance quickly. Make a mental note of the appearance of the snake but dont delay treatment trying to catch the snake, taking the chance of another bite. Remove any constricting clothing or jewelry from the bitten extremity. Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water, cover it with a clean, dry dressing and stay calm and still if you cant get to the hospital immediately.If bitten, DO NOT: Apply a tourniquet. Cut with a knife and attempt to suction out the venom. Apply ice or immerse the snake bite in water. Drink alcohol or any caffeinated drink.
