November 8, 2012
Ergon Energy employees are mourning the death of a colleague who died on Thursday after being bitten by a taipan, one of the world’s deadliest snakes.
The 57-year-old crew leader was working with a contract backhoe operator in dense bushland near Yeppoon, attempting to find a path to reach a pole for maintenance work, when contact with him was lost.
An extensive air and ground search, involving police, SES volunteers and Ergon Energy employees, was mounted.
When he was located, CPR was attempted but was not successful.
The cause of death has been determined to be from a taipan.
Taipans occur throughout Queensland; death can occur within 30 minutes if a bite is not treated quickly.
An Ergon Energy representative yesterday reminded all employees – including those based in the South Burnett – to treat all snakes as venomous and always ensure they consider their surroundings and any potential hazards.
“The incident is a reminder to us all of the potential dangers our people in the field face every day while undertaking their job,” he said.
Ergon is assisting Workplace Health and Safety Queensland with their investigation and has also begun its own internal investigation.
The man’s workmates have been offered counselling.
