Safety Alert

What Happened

A king brown snake (mulga snake) was found inside the cab of a service vehicle parked overnight at the ROM Pad staging area. The vehicle operator discovered the snake coiled on the floor mat when entering the vehicle for the morning shift. The operator exited the vehicle calmly and alerted the site wildlife handler, who safely relocated the snake. No injuries occurred.

Why It Matters

King brown snakes are among the most venomous snakes in Australia. A bite in a remote mining location can be life-threatening due to the time required for anti-venom administration. Vehicle cabs left open or with unsealed gaps provide shelter for snakes, particularly during hot weather when they seek shade. This is a recurring seasonal hazard.

Immediate Actions Required

1. 1All vehicles to have windows and doors closed when parked — air conditioning vents to be checked for gaps
2. 2Visual inspection of vehicle cabs to be added to the pre-start checklist (check under seats, behind pedals, on floor mats)
3. 3Snake awareness toolbox talk to be delivered to all crews — emphasis on identification and first aid response
4. 4Site wildlife handler contact information to be posted in all vehicles and crib rooms

Key Learning

Always check your vehicle cab before entering — snakes are quiet, well-camouflaged, and can enter through surprisingly small gaps. If you encounter a snake, do not attempt to handle or kill it. Back away slowly, maintain visual contact, and call the wildlife handler. Know where your snake bite first aid kit is and how to use a pressure immobilisation bandage.

Discussion Points for Toolbox Talk

• •Do you check your vehicle cab before entering? What do you look for?
• •Do you know how to apply a pressure immobilisation bandage for a snake bite?
• •What other wildlife hazards have you encountered on site? How were they managed?