When a snake appears in a workplace—be it an office, warehouse, school, factory, or construction site—employees and employers alike often assume someone “knows a bit about snakes” can handle it. That assumption is dangerously flawed. Sydney Snake Catcher strongly urges that no untrained person ever attempt snake removal. The risks to health, liability, and life are simply too high.
In March 2024, an unthinkable tragedy occurred: a worker died after attempting to remove a snake from a childcare centre. Authorities later confirmed that he likely did not realise the danger he faced until it was too late. This case starkly reminds us that even experienced handlers can underestimate risk—and that snake removal is not a task for amateurs. Employees acting outside their training, without proper equipment or licensing, dramatically increase the odds of serious injury or worse.
Many workplace snake bites happen because someone “knows a little” about reptiles—and overestimates their ability. Snakes are unpredictable. Even common or non-venomous species may strike defensively if they feel threatened or cornered. A misjudged movement or incorrect tool can escalate the situation instantly. What begins as a “quick catch” can result in a serious bite, lasting medical consequences, or fatality.
Beyond the immediate danger to the person involved, a snake bite in the workplace opens a web of legal and financial exposure. The company may face workers’ compensation claims, liability for medical costs, lost wages, and even litigation if safety protocols were insufficient. When staff perform tasks outside their role—like attempting snake removal—those risks amplify.
Under no circumstances should staff try to catch, restrain, or move a snake themselves. Even the safest-looking species can cause harm.
Employees should receive clear instruction on what to do when a snake is sighted: retreat to a safe distance, alert others, and never approach the animal. Understanding basic snake behaviour—such as where they hide or how they move—can reduce panic and mistakes.
Workplaces in snake-prone areas should have a documented response:
Rather than relying on internal staff, partner with a professional snake catcher. For any structural, animal, or pest control company dealing with wildlife, this gives you rapid, safe, and legal removal whenever needed. Sydney Snake Catcher offers 24/7 response across the Sydney region, providing peace of mind to workplaces large and small.
If staff spot a snake in the building or grounds, here’s what should happen:
In the tragic incident at the childcare centre, well-meaning staff attempted to remove a snake themselves. Without proper training, they misjudged the snake’s behaviour and timing. That one decision led to a fatal outcome. Legal investigations later highlighted how the workplace lacked clear protocols and had no formal agreement with a qualified snake removal service. That cost lives—and could have been avoided.
When you employ trained, licensed professionals, you remove the guesswork. Here’s why outsourcing snake removal is essential:
Employees who try to remove snakes place themselves and their employers at risk. Professional snake removal is non-negotiable—especially when venomous species are involved. Workplaces must enact clear protocols, educate staff, and outsource removal to licensed experts. If a snake is ever found on your site, call Sydney Snake Catcher on 1300 599 938 immediately. Safety, respect for wildlife, and risk
