Managing the Risks of Working in Heat This Summer

Hot Weather. Pros? Swimming, barbecues and getting the washing out. Cons? Heatstroke, heat related illnesses, severe sunburn. 

Being cautious of the hazards that may surface in heated temperatures, goes beyond making sure you’ve applied your SPF 50+ sunscreen to avoid the stares you may get towards your new pink glow, along with contentious comments such as, “Well did you even put sunscreen on?”

The famously hot Aussie weather is once again, in full force this summer, making it easy to become dehydrated or overheated, particularly those required to perform strenuous work in hot outside environments. Working in such conditions can cause heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency which can result to indefinite damage to your vital organs, and in some cases death.

A report issued from SafeWork Australia has revealed that there have been 1,360 compensation claims resulting from heat exhaustion over the last 10 years, 1,235 of which are from working in the sun. Not only can working outside increase worker fatigue, it can cause sunburn which may lead to permanent skin damage, and other serious heat related illnesses. 

Every employer must ensure they are doing everything reasonably practicable to eliminate the risks that may arise from working in heat. Heat can be a hazard in various environments, not just outside in the sun. Employers should consider heat conditions within their workplaces. For example, operating hot machinery, heavy work uniforms, minimal air movement, poorly ventilated spaces or limited access to shelter and cool drinking water can all place workers at a higher risk of dehydration, heatstroke and fatigue. 

Safe Industries Australia can guide your workplace in implementing heat risk prevention procedures, and carry out a risk assessment which may identify unseen heat risks, ensuring your employees are staying safe this summer.