RISK
DEALING WITH
SNAKEBITES
Edited by Leon Louw
Snakebites are a serious risk and something the mining
team in an open pit should constantly be aware of.
W
ith at least 600 000 people worldwide killed or permanently disabled from snakebites
each year, snakebites are one of the biggest public health crises. For projects in
Africa, Asia and Latin America, the oil and gas and mining industries need to consider
the risks of workers being bitten and its corporate social responsibility to support local
communities due to this silent killer.
Remote Medical International (RMI), working alongside the Asclepius Snakebite Foundation, have
developed proven management and response strategies specific to the threat of snakebites.
Dealing with snakebites is not just about limiting the impact on working hours but has to be about
saving lives as well. The safety threat presented by snakes is very real as is the impact on workforce
morale and efficiency.
Alongside a robust safety system and education that helps workers avoid snakebites, a strategy to
efficiently and effectively deal with a snakebite is also needed. Even in offshore environments,
sea snakes are a threat. Whatever the location, if dangerous snakes are present, a definitive
treatment programme will help save lives, prevent permanent disability and give workers
peace of mind to get on with their jobs in an efficient manner.
Time is of the essence
Ultimately, as with a heart attack or a stroke, ‘time is tissue’ with a snakebite and earlier
antivenom administration is strongly associated with reduced mortality, morbidity,
and lost time. The first minutes and hours after envenomation are critical to saving
the life and limb of the patient. Whether neurotoxic, cytotoxic, or hemotoxic, fast
response is critical. In all cases, the solution is the right dose of the right antivenom.
When patients are treated quickly with the appropriate antivenom and
supportive care, the progression of an envenomation can often be arrested
before serious injury has occurred. The problem in remote locations is that, even
if the right antivenom is available, medical personnel often lack the training to
administer it.
Mining and oil companies, should be asking if the risk of snakebites at the
project stage is a concern and, if so, what should be done? Although medical
evacuation (medevac) may appear to be a good option, there are many
30
African Mining April 2020
www. africanmining.co.za