Spring heatwaves to summer scorchers: Protecting Queensland workers from heat stress
Summer officially begins on 1 December, but in Queensland, the heat begins in spring and lingers well into the new year.
Working in hot temperatures is not only unpleasant, but it can also be fatal. Risks associated with heat illness can be influenced by a variety of environmental, task based and individual factors, including but not limited to:
- physically demanding jobs
- certain types or combinations of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- outdoor work in direct sunlight (i.e. agriculture or construction)
- radiant heat from hot surfaces (e.g. boiler, a furnace, ovens in kitchens, roof surface)
- working in high-humidity areas
- worker knowledge and training
- worker hydration/ dehydration.
It’s also important to know that the human body needs time to adjust and acclimatise to high temperatures. Workers who haven’t had time to adjust and are exposed to hot conditions are more prone to heat related illnesses. They are also more vulnerable to heat-related disorders such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can have serious implications.
It’s critical for employers to provide proper training, allow acclimatisation time, and implement preventive measures to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. Individuals may react differently to heat exposure, and it can interfere with the body's natural cooling mechanisms. This increases the risk of heat-related disorders such heat rash, heat cramps, disorientation, fainting, heat exhaustion, and, in severe cases, heat stroke.
Effective risk management and prevention techniques are critical to reduce the risk of heat stress. These includes:
- Identifying potential heat-related hazards in the workplace.
- Assessing the risk: Prioritising at risk workgroups, activities, and tasks.
- Implementing controls: Introduce control measures to keep workers cool and safe.
- Being prepared and aware: Train workers, talk to workers daily (i.e. heat risk management in pre-starts), keep up to date with daily heat forecasts.
- Monitor and review workplace conditions and controls throughout the shift, including weather conditions and/ or changes in work tasks/ activities.
Remember, it is important to recognise that while you cannot control the weather, as an employer or manager, you have a responsibility to control the work environment to ensure the safety and well-being of your workers.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has several resources and links available to support businesses to manage heat stress in their workplace including a heat stress calculator, guidance materials, and a heat stress management video.