BSU alerts on snakes in UAE

The latest Build Safe UAE (BSU) alerts said that though a variety of snake species are found in the UAE, most are not poisonous.

However, it added that "there are six poisonous snakes found in the desert, mountainous and coastal areas of the UAE", quoting Mayas Qarqaz, Deputy Manager of EAD's Wildlife Conservation Department.

Lately, snakes have been found on sites in Al Ain.

BSU recommended that everyone should note that they could be hidden under a shutter, scaffold pipes, pre cast foundations and so on and asked to always wear boots, socks and long trousers and not to put hands into holes and crevices. It also advised not to attack a snake with a stick and to make noises since vibrations will frighten them away.

If bitten, BSU recommended to wrap the bitten limb tightly as one would a sprained ankle, attach a splint where possible and immobilise the affected area, to keep the victim still and seek immediate medical attention.

Meanwhile, Al Shafar General Contracting added that it is participating in the Haad (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) 'Safety in the Heat Programme" and is preparing and educating employees who will be exposed to hot work conditions in summer about the risks involved and preventative measures required when working in hot and humid climate conditions.

Al Naboodah Construction Group (Civil) also added to the alerts that it is currently conducting a programme on 'Effective Hydration Training' for their workforce. The training is conducted on site in English and Hindi and then translated to various other languages by the workers.

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