Temperatures are set to soar into the 40s across South Australia tomorrow prompting SafeWork SA to issue a reminder and a warning to employers that heat stress should be treated as a serious workplace hazard.
“Employers need to provide a safe working environment and that includes addressing obvious and foreseeable hazards like hot weather,” SafeWork SA’s Executive Director, Bryan Russell said.
“For people working in confined spaces, inside industrial sheds where temperatures can soar and for those working outdoors in storage yards, on tarmacs, roads and farms, heat poses a significant risk,” Mr. Russell said.
“Dealing with heat could include a combination of undertaking tasks at cooler times of the day; providing plenty of fresh water, shade and ventilation; rotating workers who need to be out in the open; and ensuring UV protection like sunscreen and broad-brimmed hats are made available and used,” Mr Russell said.
“It is important that people recognise the symptoms of heat stress as working through them can lead to serious illness and in extreme cases, death.
“Symptoms of heat stress include: headaches; fatigue; dizziness or fainting; increased sweating; mood changes such as irritability or confusion, and possibly an upset stomach or vomiting.
“Working in a hot environment can also impair workers’ concentration and judgement, which heightens the chances of other harmful incidents occurring,” Mr Russell said.
For more information on how to manage heat stress in the workplace visit the SafeWork SA website: safework.sa.gov.au.
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