Bites and stings toolbox talk

What it is

Bites and stings from snakes, spiders, insects and other animals in the work area, which can cause pain, allergic reactions or poisoning.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Clear vegetation, rubbish and stored materials from the work area to remove places where snakes and spiders shelter.
2. Look before reaching into pits, holes, roof spaces or stacked materials, and shake out boots, gloves and clothing before use.
3. Leave snakes alone and call a licensed snake catcher rather than trying to catch or kill them.
4. Train first aiders in the pressure immobilisation technique for snake and funnel-web spider bites, and keep compression bandages in kits.
5. Record workers' known allergies, and make sure prescribed adrenaline autoinjectors are carried and others know how to use them.
6. Wear long sleeves, long trousers, gloves and sturdy boots, and use insect repellent where insects are present.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with bites and stings:

• Animals, insects, reptiles, hazardous plantsManage the risks from animals, insects, reptiles and plantsFrom Make Safe
• Contact with insects & reptilesAvoid dangerous insects and reptilesFrom Remote Areas Driving
• Check weather conditions & prepareCheck the weather and prepare for heat, cold, bites and stingsFrom Bark Blower Truck
• PlanningCheck the weather, manage heat and cold, and prepare for bites and stingsFrom Turf Laying
• Pest infestationBites and stingsFrom Hoarder Cleaning Plan

Questions for the crew

1. Where could bites and stings come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Animals, insects, reptiles, hazardous plants; Contact with insects & reptiles?
3. The most effective control is: “Clear vegetation, rubbish and stored materials from the work area to remove places where snakes and spiders shelter”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for bites and stings are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of bites and stings, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?