Warning about dangers in extreme temperatures

WorkSafe’s acting Executive Director, Cath Duane, urged business operators and supervisors to ensure planning was in place for workers exposed to high temperatures: “The first priority of employers and supervisors is to assess what work needs to be done, and how. In many cases work may have to be brought forward so it can be done in cooler conditions or delayed.

“There are clear safety issues with people working outdoors, but many people who are working indoors - such as those in warehouses, some retail outlets, factories and workshops - can also be at risk from indirect heat or fatigue. Of particular concern are people working in confined spaces, such as insulation installers. Employers, supervisors and workers have to determine how their particular issues are to be minimised and they need to ensure people are not put at risk.

“If work cannot be brought forward or delayed to cooler periods, shelter and protective clothing will be needed, while regular communication is needed with people working on their own. Fatigue can produce exceptionally dangerous situations, particularly when people are operating machines or vehicles. Good supervision and looking after your workmates has to be a priority over the coming months.”

A WorkSafe survey has found thousands of Victorians are exposed to more than six hours of direct sun every day, putting them at a high risk of skin cancers and heat-related health issues. Industries found to have the highest daily exposure to UV radiation were agriculture, forestry and fishing (59% of workers exposed daily); transport, postal and warehousing (58%); and construction (46%). Each had more than six hours of direct exposure each day.

The figures reinforced the need for employers to ensure they had sun-smart policies in place and ensure workers were provided with appropriate protection and abiding by the ‘slip, slop, slap’ message.

WorkSafe’s survey of 1000 workers in 2009 found 30% of workers between 18 and 24 were exposed to direct sun in the daily course of their work. The figure is much higher than the next highest age group, 45- to 54-year-olds at 25%.

“Heat stroke and fatigue can happen quickly, but skin cancers can take years to develop and have devastating health effects,” continued Duane. “Work-related exposure needs to be minimised in all groups but establishing the standards among the young will help prevent long-term problems.”

WorkSafe guidance ‘Working in heat’ along with information on sun protection for construction and other outdoor workers can be found at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.

Dealing with working in the heat:

• A practical and commonsense approach is essential.
• Consultation about heat-related issues is essential. Employers and employees need to discuss means of managing the conditions.
• Prioritise the workload. Some work may need to be rescheduled or modified to reduce exposure to the heat.
• Ensure people have access to water. Encourage them to drink-up. Rest breaks may need to be extended or increased in frequency.
• If people must work outdoors, particularly in direct sun, ensure they have and use appropriate protection. (‘Slip, slop, slap.’)
• Monitor how employees and workmates are coping with the conditions and manage accordingly. Individuals may have different responses to the conditions and require particular strategies.
• In many situations, a higher level of supervision may be needed.