Preventing heat stress
While it is important to avoid heat stress it is equally important to ensure that you and your workers are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms and know when to respond effectively. Since heat related illnesses are progressive, early intervention is crucial to prevent escalation into more serious health conditions.
Check out the WHSQ heat stress awareness series.
Emergency response training equips workers to identify severe heat stress symptoms and respond appropriately. Workers should be familiar with first aid and emergency plans, which detail the necessary actions during a medical emergency, including who they can contact, such as a first aid responder, medical doctor, or paramedic.
The Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANSCOR) provide recommendations on prevention, recognition and management for heat related illnesses.
Guideline 9.3.4 – Heat induced illness (hyperthermia)
Alan Byrne’s story highlights the tragic consequences of heat stroke, found unconscious walking home from work, a bus driver called the police. Airlifted to hospital, Alan was on life support as his body had essentially boiled, melting his bone marrow and facial bones, dubbing him the ‘melting man’. This devastating incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly heat stress can escalate to life-threatening levels, and why immediate, informed action is crucial in preventing similar tragedies.
Actions for you and your workers:
- Recognise the effects of heat stress.
- Identify appropriate prevention practices first aid treatments.
- Understand WHS regulatory requirements for emergency response plans related to working in heat.
Whether it be a work mate, supervisor or manager - encourage workers to speak up for themselves and their work mates to prevent heat related tragedies.
Further information
We encourage you to refer to the Heat stress calculator and other guidance and resources for business and industry to meet heat-related obligations.