Overview of the legislation General workplace management General workplace management Managing risks, general workplace management, training, information and instruction, general working environment, first aid, emergency plans, personal protective equipment, remote and isolated work, managing risk from contaminants, hazardous atmospheres, storage and ignition sources and falling objects.

Duties The work health and safety (WHS) laws require a person conducting a business to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their workers/residents. The duty requires persons conducting a business to work together in a proactive and reciprocal way so that all risks associated with an activity, that they are involved in, are eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. 1. identifying hazards and assessing risks 2. ways to eliminate or minimise risks

RISKPROBLEM Snakes are prevalent in Queensland between September and April. Our resorts are surrounded by bushland. On average 2 or 3 snakes are sited in each of our resorts each week. (On patio chairs, on verandahs, in letterboxes, on pathways, in trees). Residents and their pets spend a good deal of time outdoors in Queensland. Residents are not generally aware of which snakes are dangerous and which are not. Even small snakes can be deadly. Although many people are bitten, in reality few people die from bites.

PROBLEM (Continued) “Having the warmest winter on record in Southern Queensland has certainly shown a shift in the dynamics of reptile behaviour.”.... “We are having more and more encounters” In Warwick to educate outdoor council workers, the reptile expert (Allan Burnett from Reptile Awareness Australia) says he’s seeing more snakes in populated areas” “They come up for one of many reasons, one of which is to breed, and obviously having a feed and drink” he says. Now is the most active time of the year. In Southern Queensland, the eastern brown snake – the second most venomous snake on the planet – and the red bellied blacks are common.

ACTIONS: 1.Advise all residents who to call if they see a snake i.e. Manager, Snake Catcher etc. 2.Ensure the Manager/Snake Catcher has the appropriate snake catching equipment. 3.Ensure Resident Managers are trained in snake bite first aid and a specific Snake Bite Kit in the Resort & Gardener’s First Aid Kits. 4.Ensure a “One-Off Incident Report” is completed following any bite. 5.Advise all residents that it is snake season to BEWARE. 6.Clear as much bushland around the resort as possible. 7.Ensure all residents are keeping their backyards mowed & clear of timber or stored materials. 8.Have charts of snakes available to assist with identification. 9.Ensure Resident Managers are available to counsel residents who are terrified following a sighting. 10.Trial the “snake whisperer” in each of our resorts.

South-east Queensland is home to approximately 27 snake species, but only 13 are regarded as medically significant. If you are unlucky enough to be bitten, here is a guide of what and what not to do in the event of a snake bite. NOTE: All snake bites should be treated as venomous especially in the absence of reliable identification and first aid action should be applied immediately;

DO NOT · Do not wash or clean the bite site. Venom residue left on the skin may be used by medical professionals to potentially identify the species of snake involved and administer the correct anti- venom. The Do Not’s & Do’s of Snake Bites · Do not cut the bite site. This can aid in venom progressing to the bloodstream and cause further symptomatic response. · Do not apply an arterial tourniquet or elevate the bitten site. This may cause tissue damage and affect blood flow to other parts of the body. · Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Attempting to catch or kill the animal can lead to further bites and injuries. If possible take a digital photo.

Above all, DO NOT PANIC. Calm the patient, immobilize the affected area and seek medical help immediately call 000 and ask for ambulance. Treatment of Snake Bite Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage.

Symptoms associated with envenomation The most common symptoms following an envenomating snake bite are listed below; however these may vary between cases depending on both the general medical condition and age of the person bitten. The species of snake involved will further determine symptomatic responses. ·  Bite marks in the skin with site swelling. The bite site may ooze blood or other discharges, ·  Burning, ·  Convulsions, ·  Fainting or dizziness, ·  Weakness, ·  Blurred vision, ·  Fever, ·  Increased thirst, ·  Muscle coordination loss, ·  Nausea and vomiting, ·  Rapid pulse, ·  Numbness or tingling, ·  Soreness in the lymphatic system under the armpits and around the groin area, ·  Loss of consciousness.

Assistant Manager/Snake Catcher/Whisperer Ted Redknap JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE IRT The Palms

At The Palms we have snakes who even like to read.

IRT PARKLANDS NEW MAILMAN SUN BATHING BY THE POOL APPLICATION FOR RESIDENCY PLEASE

Environmental Solution

Snake Id & Info