Workers Warned of Heat Stress Ahead of Hot Summer

Employers across Australia are being urged to guard against the effects of extreme temperatures in the workplace following a forecast of above-average temperatures this summer.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) recently issued its summer outlook, in which it forecasted daytime temperatures “very likely to be above average over virtually all of Australia”.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh warned both employers and employees to take extra care during the summer months to avoid the risk of heat stress, or the more serious heatstroke.

“This warning goes out not only to outdoor workers, but also to employees that may be exposed to constant high temperatures that can result in heat stress or even heat stroke in indoor workplaces like foundries.”

“Workplace safety laws require employers to ensure that workers are not exposed to hazards and this includes, as far as is practicable, protecting employees from extremes in temperature.”

“The increased sweating caused by heat depletes the body’s fluids and can lead to the symptoms of heat stress – tiredness, irritability, inattention and muscular cramps.”

“These symptoms don’t just cause physical discomfort, they may also increase the risk of workplace injuries by taking a worker’s attention away from the task at hand, and this is a major concern.”

The link between high temperates and workplace incidents is becoming increasingly clear. Recently, Italian researchers analysed occupational injuries sustained by 20,000 construction workers between 2000 to 2013, and found the average injury rate of about 2.8 injuries per 10,000 workers per day increased to 3.2 on “summer days”.

“Our data confirm previous reports from the construction industries that extreme weather may be associated with increased risk of occupational injuries, particularly at the beginning of heatwave events.”

The researchers suggested that workers might initially unsafely respond to new and uncomfortable weather conditions, until persistent exposure to high temperatures leads them to “more cautious conduct”.

Treating heat stress and heatstroke

Workers in extremely hot environments can lose up to a litre of fluid every hour, and it is vital that this lost fluid is replaced. According to WorkSafe WA, heat stress can be avoided by taking simple steps such as drinking cool clean water at frequent intervals, having rest pauses in a cool place and helping sweat evaporate by increasing air circulation.

Where possible, it is also advisable to reorganise work schedules so outdoor tasks are carried out early in the morning and late in the day to avoid peak temperatures.

The type of clothing worn is also very important – loose clothing allows air to circulate, improving the evaporation of sweat.

Heatstroke, however, is a far more serious condition that must be treated immediately. The signs of heatstroke are cessation in sweating, high body temperature and hot and dry skin.  Confusion and loss of consciousness may occur.

If heat stroke is suspected, the person should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Until medical treatment is available, the person should be cooled down as quickly as possible by methods such as soaking clothing in cold water and increasing air movement by fanning.

“Apart from the serious medical concerns arising from heatstroke, the effects of extreme or sustained heat can seriously affect a worker’s concentration levels, and the consequences of this can also be very serious,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“Guarding against heat stress and heat stroke is part of providing a safe and healthy workplace, and I urge employers to ensure that preventative measures are in place.”