How often these injuries happen
OSHA recorded 181 severe cases involving reptile bites over the last decade. The vast majority of these incidents involve effects of poison or toxic exposure, which can lead to rapid health complications and long-term medical needs.
These injuries require immediate medical intervention and hospitalization. Because these bites often occur in remote or outdoor work environments, the delay in accessing care can significantly worsen your long-term prognosis.
How these injuries happen
Every recorded incident involved a bite or sting from an animal. These injuries often occur when you encounter snakes in tall grass, near construction materials, or while navigating pathways between work zones. The risk is particularly high when you are required to move debris or operate equipment in areas where reptiles have established habitats.
| Cause | Incidents | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitten or stung by animal | 181 |
Where injuries happen most
Construction leads all sectors with 17% of reported reptile bite incidents. You are frequently exposed to natural environments while clearing land or performing site preparation. Administrative services and mining also see high incident rates, as you may work in locations where wildlife encounters are common and site safety protocols may not adequately address biological hazards.
Real cases like yours
Common patterns in these reports include you being bitten while performing routine tasks like walking to health centers, moving construction materials, or operating heavy machinery. These incidents show that even simple movements can lead to dangerous encounters if your work area is not properly assessed for wildlife. If any of these scenarios sound like what happened to you, an attorney can help you understand your legal options.
| Year | State | Industry | Incident summary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TX | Mining | "An employee was monitoring a screen in the PLC room when he was bitten by a rattlesnake on the back of his right calf." | |
| 2025 | TX | Construction | "An employee was getting out of a car when a rattlesnake bit him below the right knee." | |
| 2025 | CO | Construction | "An employee was performing mowing operations while operating a skid steer at a worksite. The employee noticed several flat panels lying on the ground and went to move them with the skid steer. The panels began to shift on the forks as they were lifted. He exited the skid steer to readjust the panels and was bitten on his left thumb by a rattlesnake that had been pinned beneath the load." | |
| 2025 | TX | Accommodation & Food Services | "An employee was bitten by a rattlesnake while picking tomatoes." | |
| 2025 | TX | Accommodation & Food Services | "An employee was walking up a pathway to the health center when he was bitten by a copperhead snake on his right ankle. The employee was hospitalized." | |
| 2025 | TX | Administrative Services | "An employee was manually harvesting carrots from a vegetable garden when she was bitten by a copperhead snake on her left hand/lower arm. The employee was hospitalized for treatment." | |
| 2025 | TX | Information | "An employee was working on a satellite installation. They were reaching to grab a piece of cable when they were bitten on the left hand by a copperhead snake." | |
| 2025 | TX | Mining | "An employee was walking from their truck to a dehydrator unit when a rattlesnake bit the back of his left calf." | |
| 2025 | CA | Accommodation & Food Services | "An employee was pruning bushes using pruning shears. When he reached into a bush with the shears, a rattlesnake bit his right thumb." | |
| 2025 | TX | Arts & Entertainment | "An employee was giving a swimming lesson when a cottonmouth snake was spotted in the the pool. The employee grabbed the snake behind it's head and exited the pool. He walked over to the fence and was throwing the snake over the fence when the snake bit his left index finger." |
Source: OSHA Severe Injury Reports. Narratives are verbatim from filings; identifying details may have been redacted by OSHA.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if the bite occurred while you were performing your job duties, it is generally covered. Workers' Compensation provides medical care and wage replacement for injuries sustained on the job. An attorney can help you determine if your specific situation qualifies for these benefits.
Employers have a general duty to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, which includes assessing environmental risks in outdoor work areas. If your employer failed to provide training, protective gear, or site clearing in an area known for snake activity, they may be held accountable. An attorney can evaluate whether your employer met their safety obligations.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately, as venomous bites require rapid treatment. Once you are stable, report the incident to your supervisor in writing to ensure an official record is created for your Workers' Compensation claim. An attorney can help you ensure your medical records and incident reports are properly documented.
In most cases, Workers' Compensation is the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries, meaning you cannot sue your employer directly for negligence. However, there are exceptions if a third party was involved or if the employer's conduct meets specific legal thresholds for gross negligence. An attorney can help you identify all potential avenues for compensation.