With the high likelihood of repeat heatwave and bushfire events impacting health and safety at work, WorkSafe reminds employers they must be prepared to protect their workers and the community from the ongoing risk of extreme heat and fire danger.
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said employers must prepare for the conditions and make any accommodations needed to ensure tasks are carried out safely or where necessary, postponed.
"Working in severe or extreme heat can easily lead to dehydration and heat illnesses such as heat rash, fainting, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – which is a life-threatening condition," Mr Jenkin said.
Some symptoms of heat-related illness:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Feeling weak
- Pale skin
- Heavy sweating
- Headaches
- Convulsions
- Clumsiness
Ways to help manage heat risks:
- Reschedule work so physically demanding jobs are performed during the cooler part of the day.
- Work from a cooler location.
- Wear light clothing that still provides adequate protection.
- Provide extra rest breaks in a cool area.
- Ensure workers have access to cool water and are staying hydrated.
- Use mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion.
It is imperative employers plan ahead and take all reasonable steps to protect their workers, particularly those exposed to the elements or working in spaces without ventilation or air conditioning. Victorian employers have a duty to monitor the conditions of their individual workplaces and manage any risks to health and safety, including those created by extreme weather.
This can include providing workers with cold water, sun protection and appropriate clothing; using air conditioning and blinds indoors; providing shade and rest spots outdoors; regularly monitoring the temperature; and ensuring workers know how to spot heat illness symptoms in themselves and others.
Mr Jenkin said employers may also need to relocate workers and postpone or reschedule certain tasks for when conditions improve. "Where there is high risk of fire, employers must ensure they are not carrying out any work activities that may provide an ignition source, such as welding or other hot works," he said.
"Farmers and primary producers in affected areas should also consider implementing their bushfire emergency plans and reconsider the use of machinery near combustible material if the work is not essential."
Stay up-to-date with the latest emergency information in your location with the VicEmergency App or website.
Learn more about how to keep safe in extreme heat and fire –
- Vic Emergency: Incidents and Warnings | Vic Gov
- ACT Code of Practice: Managing risks of extreme temperature | OHS Reps
- Heat | OHS Reps
- Fire & Emergency Evacuation | OSH Reps
- Prevention and protection from heat illness | WorkSafe Victoria
- Working in heat | WorkSafe Victoria
- Workplaces at risk from heat and fire danger | WorkSafe Victoria
Also, sign up to the VTHC Just Transitions bulletin to keep up to date with the Paid Disaster Leave campaign and other campaigns to win climate justice for Victorian workers.