With temperatures rising into the thirties across the state, SafeWork NSW is urging workers and businesses to start planning now for how they will stay safe during the heat this summer.
Employers have the primary duty of care for employees and are encouraged to develop a workplace heat management plan in consultation with their health and safety representatives (HSR) and workers to ensure everyone stays safe when the temperature rises.
Heat related illnesses happen when the body starts to overheat due to working too hard. Symptoms can include a range of progressive conditions such as dehydration, fainting, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Employers who have workers completing tasks outside must do their best to eliminate extended periods of sun exposure. This can be achieved by providing shade, rotating tasks to reduce exposure, scheduling work to cooler times of the day and providing personal protective equipment such as hats, long sleeve shirts and sunscreen.
Tips for developing a heat management plan can be found on the SafeWork NSW webpage along with the SeasonalSAFE tool.
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world and over 95% of these skin cancers are caused by exposure to solar UV radiation. It's important workers who spend the day outdoors reduce their risk of developing skin cancer by wearing appropriate UPF 50+ sun protective clothing and a wide-brimmed bucket style hat (not baseball style), and apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30+ or higher regularly.
Information about Ultra-violet (UV) radiation, the risks and how to prevent exposure can be found on the SafeWork NSW webpage.
Any worker who feels their workplace is unsafe can anonymously report their concerns directly to SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or via the 'Speak Up Save Lives' app.
Quotes attributable to Head of SafeWork Trent Curtin:
"As the weather heats up it's important businesses and workers start to talk about the procedures they will use to keep everyone safe from heat-related illnesses. We don't want to see anyone needing medical attention due to heat exposure this summer.
"Workers are reminded to listen to their body when the temperature rises and to drink plenty of water. It is vital you do not replace water with soft drinks, energy drinks or coffee as these can dehydrate you further.
"If the weather becomes too hot and can't be avoided then the job might have to be stopped. Worker safety must come first."
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