EMPLOYERS URGED TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM HEAT STRESS AS SUMMER TEMPERATURES SOAR
Published Thursday, 28 December, 2006 at 08:00 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Queensland employers should ensure their workers are not exposed to heat stress when many of them return to work next week, Employment and Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel said today.
Mr Mickel said Queensland’s workplace health and safety laws oblige employers to provide protection from the heat and sun for employees who work outside.
“Workers too have an obligation to comply with their employer’s instructions regarding heat stress and sun safety precautions, to use personal protective equipment, and to ensure they do not put themselves or others at risk,” he said.
Mr Mickel said workers were most at risk during heat waves and when the temperature hovered about 50C or more above average for three or more days. It was more risky when high temperatures combine with increased humidity.
Very hot and extreme heat conditions could lead to heat-related health problems such as cramps, exhaustion, heat stroke, prickly heat and fainting.
“There is no set temperature when work should be called off. Employers should weigh up all contributing factors such as heat, humidity, water intake, breezes, protective gear, condition of workers, hours of work and the like,” he said
“Australia has a harsh summer environment and often no more so than in the Queensland tropics and the outback. Working smart and working cool can save lives.”
Workers most at risk of heat-related illness and skin cancer include:
• Building and construction industry workers
• Carpark attendants
• Gardeners and ground maintenance staff
• Fishing industry workers
• Lifeguards
• Outdoor council workers
• Police officers
• Pool attendants
• Powerline workers
• Road workers
• Roofers
• Rural workers
• Truck or delivery van drivers.
Groups most at risk
• People with fair skin (es pecially those who freckle easily or tan poorly)
• People who have not acclimatised to the Queensland climate
• Workers who are exposed to direct sunlight between 10am and 2pm
• Workers who are exposed to water, construction materials, polished aluminium and glass (common reflectors)
• Workers carrying out strenuous tasks or work that is sustained for long periods
• Workers who are exposed to additional heat from machinery
• Workers in northern parts of Queensland.
Factors that may contribute to heat-related problems at work include:
• Inadequate cooling off or rest periods
• Insufficient water consumption
• Climatic conditions (low air movement, high humidity, high temperature)
• Inappropriate clothing
• Individual factors that may cause dehydration such as poor diet, vomiting, diarrhoea or alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Individual medical conditions such as heart problems, diabetes and hypertension
• Individual mediction that may affect the body’s temperature regulation
• Age, general physical fitness and weight.
Tips for avoiding heat related illness in the workplace:
• Drink 150-200mm of cool fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, rather than consume a
1 litre drink every now and again.
• Choose water or a sports drink rather than tea, coffee or milk.
• Increase intake of fluids if urine is dark (the normal colour should be pale yellow).
• Add a little extra salt to food if you are acclimatising to hot working conditions, however do not take salt tablets.
• If you suffer dehydration, do not recommence work until you are fully rehydrated.
• Automate and mechanise tasks
• Insulate or shieldworkers from hot surfaces and plant
• Use ventilation and air-conditioning
• Introduce humidity-reducing methods eg install a dehumidifier
• Create shade (tarp, umbrella) or find a tree for rest breaks.
More information on how to beat the heat is at www.deir.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349
28 December 2006
Mr Mickel said Queensland’s workplace health and safety laws oblige employers to provide protection from the heat and sun for employees who work outside.
“Workers too have an obligation to comply with their employer’s instructions regarding heat stress and sun safety precautions, to use personal protective equipment, and to ensure they do not put themselves or others at risk,” he said.
Mr Mickel said workers were most at risk during heat waves and when the temperature hovered about 50C or more above average for three or more days. It was more risky when high temperatures combine with increased humidity.
Very hot and extreme heat conditions could lead to heat-related health problems such as cramps, exhaustion, heat stroke, prickly heat and fainting.
“There is no set temperature when work should be called off. Employers should weigh up all contributing factors such as heat, humidity, water intake, breezes, protective gear, condition of workers, hours of work and the like,” he said
“Australia has a harsh summer environment and often no more so than in the Queensland tropics and the outback. Working smart and working cool can save lives.”
Workers most at risk of heat-related illness and skin cancer include:
• Building and construction industry workers
• Carpark attendants
• Gardeners and ground maintenance staff
• Fishing industry workers
• Lifeguards
• Outdoor council workers
• Police officers
• Pool attendants
• Powerline workers
• Road workers
• Roofers
• Rural workers
• Truck or delivery van drivers.
Groups most at risk
• People with fair skin (es pecially those who freckle easily or tan poorly)
• People who have not acclimatised to the Queensland climate
• Workers who are exposed to direct sunlight between 10am and 2pm
• Workers who are exposed to water, construction materials, polished aluminium and glass (common reflectors)
• Workers carrying out strenuous tasks or work that is sustained for long periods
• Workers who are exposed to additional heat from machinery
• Workers in northern parts of Queensland.
Factors that may contribute to heat-related problems at work include:
• Inadequate cooling off or rest periods
• Insufficient water consumption
• Climatic conditions (low air movement, high humidity, high temperature)
• Inappropriate clothing
• Individual factors that may cause dehydration such as poor diet, vomiting, diarrhoea or alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Individual medical conditions such as heart problems, diabetes and hypertension
• Individual mediction that may affect the body’s temperature regulation
• Age, general physical fitness and weight.
Tips for avoiding heat related illness in the workplace:
• Drink 150-200mm of cool fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, rather than consume a
1 litre drink every now and again.
• Choose water or a sports drink rather than tea, coffee or milk.
• Increase intake of fluids if urine is dark (the normal colour should be pale yellow).
• Add a little extra salt to food if you are acclimatising to hot working conditions, however do not take salt tablets.
• If you suffer dehydration, do not recommence work until you are fully rehydrated.
• Automate and mechanise tasks
• Insulate or shieldworkers from hot surfaces and plant
• Use ventilation and air-conditioning
• Introduce humidity-reducing methods eg install a dehumidifier
• Create shade (tarp, umbrella) or find a tree for rest breaks.
More information on how to beat the heat is at www.deir.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349
28 December 2006