A legal expert underscores the “tragic” fatality of a man due to a snake bite in north Queensland, urging businesses to heed this incident as a warning. Workplace Health and Safety is probing the matter.
Jerromy Brookes, aged 47, attempted to extricate a snake from the Green Leaves Early Learning center in Burdell, Townsville. He suffered multiple bites on the arm during the attempt.
Operating sans a permit for snake handling or removal, Mr. Brookes, post-bite, returned home. Paramedics note his wife administered initial aid before he succumbed to cardiac arrest. Despite her CPR efforts, the father of three perished.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland verifies its investigation but withholds details. Green Leaves Early Learning refrains from commentary.
Navigating liability
The incident sparks inquiries into the accountability of businesses summoning aid on-site.
Tamara Splatt, an associate lawyer at Maurice Blackburn Townsville, underscores Queensland workplace health and safety statutes, holding businesses accountable for all entrants’ safety.
Splatt stresses the imperative of maintaining facilities to standards and implementing risk mitigation protocols. Failure to fulfill these duties could lead to breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act and subsequent prosecution, with penalties varying based on charges’ severity.
A wake-up call for businesses
Ms. Splatt emphasizes that even informal arrangements, such as volunteering or favors, could render businesses liable. Transitioning to public liability claims, she notes the absence of written contracts isn’t a barrier to claims under this legislation.
Expressing hope that Mr. Brookes’ tragic demise serves as a catalyst for change, Ms. Splatt urges businesses to reassess their protocols for similar incidents, given the frequent encounters with snakes in tropical areas.
Adhering to stringent regulations
Queensland mandates a damage mitigation permit for snake removal. This permit enables the safe and humane removal of native wildlife posing threats to human safety.
Obtaining the permit necessitates demonstrating proficiency in wildlife biology and safe handling. Requirements include training certificates, referrals from qualified handlers, statements of support, and a valid first aid certificate.
According to a Department of Environment and Science spokesperson, Queensland issues 781 permits for relocating protected animals, including venomous snakes. It’s advised that individuals seeking snake removal services verify the contractor’s license or permit validity beforehand.