With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting above average daytime temperatures for North Queensland for the rest of 2021, Queensland employers need to plan ahead now to protect workers from heat stress hazards.
Heat stress risk is not just related to temperature – there are a combination of factors which contribute to heat-related problems at work, including:
exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day
exposure to reflected heat from construction materials, polished aluminium and glass
carrying out strenuous tasks or work for sustained long periods
exposure to additional heat from machinery
inadequate cooling off, rest periods or insufficient water consumption
climatic conditions (low air movement, high humidity, high temperature)
type of clothing and personal protective equipment worn
factors that may cause dehydration, such as poor diet, vomiting, diarrhoea or alcohol and caffeine consumption.
To ensure your workplace is set up for safety success, contact Outsource Safety today.
"Let us take the risk out of managing safety"
