Safe Work issues Summer warning
Safe Work Australia says with Summer rolling around again, workers should be reminded of the risks of working in heat and in air pollution.
Working in heat or air pollution can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.
Over the 10 years from 2009-10 to 2018-19, there were 1,774 workers’ compensation claims resulting from working in heat.
“Employers must take precautions this summer and know the risks of working in heat and/or air pollution and protect worker health and safety,” Safe Work says.
The authority has provided links to its working in heat resources.
- Managing the risk of working in heat fact sheet – describes how to identify, assess and control hazards relating to working in heat
- Working in heat FAQs on our website – addressing the most frequently asked questions relating to working in heat
- Working in heat infographic – provides a quick reference guide on ways to control risks
- Checklist for managing the risks of heat in the workplace – provides a list of risks to consider when managing and controlling the risks caused by working in heat
- Guide for managing the risks of working in heat - provides information on how to manage heat risks and what to do if a worker begins to suffer from a heat-related illness
- First aid for heat-related illness – provides advice and guidance on providing first aid to someone experiencing a heat-related illness
- Guide on exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation – provides practical guidance for managing health and safety risks associated with exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR)
- Heat and work injury prevention – a shared responsibility – an expert panel discussing key issues on heat and work injury (video)
- Working in heat - videos demonstrating how four different organisations manage the risks and hazards of illness and injury associated with working in heat