Working in the Heat

Before we know it, summer will have arrived. Working in heat can be hazardous and harmful for workers and Employers have duties under WHS legislation to manage risks to worker health and safety; including those associated with working in heat therefore taking appropriate precautions against the known risks of working in heat and/or air pollution. While all employers should review work tasks, monitor temperatures in the workplace in relation to the type of work being carried out, the duration and how strenuous the work is – we recommend a risk-based approach to managing individual risks.

As we approach summer and temperatures start to rise, it’s worthwhile revisiting some of the key aspects of Heat and Employers duties under WHS legislation to manage risk.
 

It is known exposure to hot temperatures leads to a reduction in physical capacity, impaired mental alertness, and altered behaviour among workers, which compromises work, health and safety (WHS), labour productivity and economical yield in occupational settings. Australian studies focusing on heat-related health impacts have found a significant association between the rate of occupational injury claims and higher ambient temperatures and heatwaves.  

Some things to consider when working during summer:

1. Is there sufficient shade outside?

2. Are there cooling systems inside buildings or adequate insulation and shields?

3. Can particular tasks be actioned either earlier in the day or late afternoon?

4. Can physically demanding tasks be limited (i.e., climbing stairs or ladders, carrying heavy loads)?

5. Is there sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided such as hats, sunscreen, cooling garments?

6. Do you provide sunscreen to protect from Australia’s highly dangerous ultraviolet rays?

7. Do you ensure your workers are sufficiently hydrated?

8. Do you provide sufficient rest breaks?
    
   Various strategies are recommended for workplace heat risk management including engineering and administrative controls.

   Some of the most effective strategies include, but are not limited to:
   

• mandatory work-rest arrangements and self-pacing;

• increased fluid intake;

• enhancing heat tolerance (acclimatisation);

• regular screening of workers;

• setting up heat alerts; and

• use of PPE (such as hats, long sleeves).

 
Look at all hazards and put some guidelines in place to manage the risks. What processes does your business have in place if a worker suffers severe heat exhaustion? Do you have qualified First Aid Officers or do your workers know how to report any injuries and illnesses?

Some Modern Awards (e.g., Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020) allow for inclement weather e.g., extreme high temperatures and employers must still pay employees for the time they cannot work due to inclement weather.

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has developed guidelines for managing the risk of working in the heat, which is based on the risk management framework for managing WHS risks.  All state and territory regulators also provide detailed guidelines and resources regarding the hazard of working in the heat on their websites.