Keep your workers and construction sites safe this El Nino summer

Summer is here and with it comes the risk of heat-related illnesses for workers Australia-wide and severe weather risks for construction sites in Queensland. Here are some tips from SafeWork NSW and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on how to prepare for the hot and stormy season.

Heat management plan for NSW

NSW is expected to experience scorching temperatures this summer, which can pose a serious threat to workers’ health and safety. Employers have the primary duty of care for employees and should develop a workplace heat management plan in consultation with their health and safety representatives (HSR) and workers. This plan should include:

• Providing shade, water and rest breaks for workers
• Rotating tasks to reduce exposure to heat and sun
• Scheduling work to cooler times of the day
• Providing personal protective equipment such as hats, long sleeve shirts and sunscreen
• Monitoring workers for signs of heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration, fainting, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Stopping work if the weather becomes too hot and unsafe

Workers should listen to their body, drink plenty of water and avoid drinks that can dehydrate them further, such as soft drinks, energy drinks and coffee. They should also report any concerns about their workplace safety to SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or via the ‘Speak Up Save Lives’ app.

Shutdown plan for Queensland

Queensland is likely to face severe weather driven by El Nino this summer, which can cause damage to construction sites and endanger public safety. Construction businesses across Queensland are encouraged to ensure their sites are safe and secure before they close for the summer break. Developing a shutdown plan will help prevent risks to public safety and property damage from wild weather. This plan should include:

• Checking fences are secure and locking all gates and entries
• Posting emergency contact information and no trespassing signs on site fencing
• Removing or securing loose tools, materials and equipment
• Securing floor openings, trenches, excavations and temporary structures
• Removing scaffolding, ladders, shoring and formwork if possible
• Having a security presence or CCTV if needed
• Having a plan to deal with severe rain and flood
• Removing or securing flammable liquids and compressed gas cylinders
• Securing and locking tower crane bases and heavy machinery cabs
• Setting tower cranes to weather-vane
• Storing or positioning other equipment at its lowest potential energy state

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors will be conducting audits of construction sites throughout December to ensure safety requirements are met. Construction businesses have no excuse for not taking appropriate safety measures to protect workers and the public, even during the summer shutdown.

For more information on construction site safety, visit WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.

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Sources

Construction sites urged to prepare for wild weather and summer shutdown by WorkSafe Queensland, 8th December, 2023.

Working safely through the heat of summer by SafeWork NSW, 8th December, 2023.

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