A WHS Queensland investigation found that:
- The employer failed to provide adequate safety training to their workers. The employer shared very limited information on self-managing and determining work capacity in hot environments, and how to alleviate the effects of working in the heat through hydration and nutrition.
- The employer's induction document contained only one line about heat and its effect on workers. Instead, the document detailed other non-safety related policies, including a paragraph on the employer's 'no music at work' policy.
- The employer also failed to consider whether there was a need to provide or organise shelters from the sun at client properties, or arrange for picking work to be undertaken outside of the hottest part of the day.
The Magistrate noted that the employer had become complacent and agreed that the information provided to workers about the signs of heat related illness was inadequate. The Magistrate noted that the employer had a responsibility to ensure that their workers had sufficient knowledge of heat related illness and how to manage instances of heat related illness.
In the warmer months, it is important to consider heat stress as an ongoing high-risk issue that needs to be managed adequately. A person conducting a business or undertaking has an obligation to manage the risks and follow the appropriate practices and regulations to ensure a safe work environment.
Safe Work Australia has released a guide for managing the risks of working in the heat. Some steps which can be taken to manage risks include to:
- Reorganise outdoor work so that workers carry out alternative tasks, rotate work or work in shade, particularly around 11 am–3 pm when heat and solar ultraviolet radiation is the most intense.
- Where possible, use plant or other equipment to reduce manual labour.
- Provide fans and shaded or air conditioned break areas.
- Provide accessible, cool drinking water, or when necessary, electrolyte solutions. Encourage frequent water breaks.
- Review rest schedules to ensure workers are not fatigued.
- Modify targets and work rates to account for conditions.
- Where possible, do not allow workers to work alone. If they must, then establish procedures for monitoring them and ensuring they can easily seek help.
- Provide information, training and instruction to workers on how to follow safe work procedures, report problems and recognise the symptoms of heat-related illness.
- Provide suitable PPE like a wide brim hat, and sunscreen. Modify the uniform or PPE so that the fabric is lighter and more breathable.
Please get in touch with a member of our Workplace team if you would like more information on anything we have discussed in this article.