Harm from working in heat

With the weather warming up in Sydney it is important to ensure that your construction site workers are not exposed to harm from working in heat this summer. There were 13 work-related fatalities from working in extreme heat in Australia between 2001 – 2013 and there is an exponential increase of hospitalisations due to heat related illness every summer.

Heat related illnesses

Heat related illnesses are dehydration, heatstroke, fainting, heat rash, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Staying hydrated while working in the heat is the best way of avoiding heat related illness.

Employer’s responsibility

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that workers are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking to the extent that they are reasonably practicable. This obligation requires the employer to manage health and safety risks by eliminating them to the extent that they are reasonably feasible or minimise those risks to the extent that they are reasonably feasible.

Reducing the risk of heat exhaustion

Below we will share a simple strategy to ensure that your workers are not at risk of heat exhaustion this summer.

1. Identify the hazards

   • Identifying hazards can be done in consultation with workers and relevant health and safety representatives. It is important to warn workers of these hazards in the toolbox talk before works commence for the day and even have a specific hydration toolbox talk.

     • Consider the air temperature - check the weather forecast, monitor temperature throughout the day, will it hit 35 degrees?

     • Air flow - If indoors, are fans or air conditioners available? If outdoors, is there sufficient wind to cool down workers.

     • Humidity - Sweat evaporates quickly on low humidity days, which means that it also carries away heat faster. On very humid days, the air is already saturated with water, the sweat evaporates slowly, which keeps our body temperatures high. A trigger point for humidity is when the temperature reaches 28° and a level of 75% humidity.

     • Radiant heat sources - This includes working in the sun or indoors under a metal roof. Are they working in confined spaces?

     • Work requirements - What work needs to be conducted, is it strenuous? Also, consider the duration of the operation.

     • The workplace itself - Create a safe working environment. Utilise shaded areas or set up temporary shade for work areas. Ensure correct PPE requirements are in place, including long sleeve collared shirts with minimum 50+ SPF, broad brim hat attachments with neck flaps to be worn with hard hats.

2. Assess the risk

   • A risk assessment will help you determine: how serious the risk is, if current control measures are successful, what action to take to manage the risk, and how urgent it is to take action. When conducting the risk assessment, it is important to consider these key factors.

     • The Work

     • The Worker

     • The Work Environment

3. Control the risk

   • To minimise the risks associated with working in heat you must do everything reasonably practicable. This may include cancelling work tasks, rescheduling tasks for cooler periods of the day, and waiting for hot conditions to pass. If you can't eliminate the hazard, you need to mitigate it as much as you can possibly achieve.

     • The Work - Use air conditioned equipment such as cranes or forklifts to lift heavy objects and earth-moving plant for digging. Organise jobs to reduce physically challenging activities. Organise heavy and hard work for cooler hours of the day or year. Establish more regular work breaks throughout the day.

     • The Worker - Encourage workers to pace themselves. Recognise symptoms and signs of heat-related illness in themselves and others. Encourage people to drink enough water so they stay hydrated and advise to avoid dehydrating diuretics such as caffeine. Encourage water bottles and increased water intake.

     • The Work Environment - Provide as close to the work site as possible air-conditioned, shaded and cool break areas. Install industrial fans for ventilation. Provide accessible cool drinking water and electrolyte solutions. what to drink when working in the heat is important. The best way to stay hydrated in heat is by drinking plenty of water and even sports drink which has a small amount of sodium.

Solutions to working in heat

air conditioned site sheds

Our air conditioned site shed range provides the ideal rest area on high temperature days.

water bubblers

Our water bubblers ensure your work site has cool running water all day long, even in hot conditions.

pedestal fans and exhaust fans

Our pedestal fans and exhaust fans are a great option for ventilating areas and keeping your workers cool in hot conditions.

fridges and bar fridges

Our fridges and bar fridges are ideal for keeping drinks cool throughout the day. They come with our site shed but additional fridges can be provided on request.

Our range of hire equipment for your construction site will ensure your site is working efficiently, comfortably and in safe conditions on those hot summer days.

To get a quote on our items, call us on +61418256435 or email theplantyard@theplantyard.com.au.