Warning issued as heat brings risk for Queensland resource workers

An unseasonal spring heatwave has meant temperatures in most of the state have been 2-5°C hotter than usual, with some areas reaching almost 10°C above average.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) Chief Executive Officer Rob Djukic said heat posed serious health risks to resource workers and urged sites to ensure they have controls in place to effectively manage heat exposure.

“Symptoms can include a range of progressive conditions such as dehydration, fainting, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” he said.

“The strategies and techniques we use to reduce heat stress at resource sites are simple but sometimes overlooked.

“That includes modifying the environment to suit the work, modifying the work to suit the environment, or sometimes a combination of both.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has declared temperatures are likely to be above average in Queensland from December to February.

As we head towards summer, Mr Djukic said it is important to remember conditions in sites can change daily and not all resource workers respond to heat in the same way.

“That’s why we’re reminding sites to ensure their work plans effectively manage heat exposure, assess heat risks and to protect workers from heat-related illness,” he said.

“Employers’ safety and health obligations require them to ensure their workers are not exposed to unacceptable risk – in these hot conditions that means having a strong workplace heat management plan.”

Sites should consider the following measures to reduce heat-related illnesses:

• Reduce radiant heat sources using insulation, spot cooling or shielding.
• Locate potable water and ice machines within easy access for workers to hydrate regularly.
• Use mechanical aids where possible (e.g. using cranes and forklifts), to minimise physical exertion in heat.
• Plan work activities to include periods of acclimatisation for workers.
• Provide a cool refuge for workers, preferably air-conditioned, to enable regular rest breaks in cool areas such as vehicle cabins, crib rooms and control rooms.
• Provided there is cool airflow available, erect portable shades as refuge areas for temporary or remote work locations (noting cool air flow is essential). Increase air movement by the installation of mechanical fans and introduce cooling fans where possible.
• Reschedule high physical work activities to cooler times during the shift.
• Select clothing options which offer ventilation openings and permeable fabric
• Train workers on heat identification, control and emergency response.
• Appropriately incorporate heat in the reporting of incidents, specifically heat related incidents as well as a potential contributing factor in any incidents.
• Using exhaust ventilation to remove steam in high humidity operations such as quenching.

ENDS

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Media contact: Anna Hartley | 0457 094 250 | media@rshq.qld.gov.au