Employers need to understand that working in extreme heat is a critical safety hazard that can cause serious illness and workers should not be put at risk, the CFMEU has warned.
South Australian CFMEU Secretary Aaron Cartledge is calling on employers to take their responsibilities regarding health and safety seriously in the wake of the hospitalisation of seventeen year old Travis Mellor in Adelaide.
Mr Mellor, an apprentice who was attending his third day of work, collapsed due to heat stroke on a job in McGill on Wednesday and is still in critical condition.
“It is utter negligence that his employer did not make a decision to stop work when the temperature had reached 41.5 degrees,” said Mr Cartledge.
“Travis is still a child – who had no idea of the danger of toiling in those kinds of conditions. His employer should not have placed him in such a high risk situation.”
Mr Cartledge said that no job was worth damaging your health and he called on any worker who was being pressured to work in high temperatures to contact the union.
“There is advice from the authorities all over the papers and on the radio about what to do in these kinds of weather conditions. The first thing they tell you is to avoid the outdoors particularly at the hottest time of the day,” he said.
“It’s a total abrogation of your responsibility as an employer if you subject people to work in these kinds of conditions.”
Heat stroke is a serious condition that can cause lifelong injuries. There have been cases of paralysis in workers in Queensland as a result of heat stroke.
Mr Cartledge said he understood it was difficult for young people to stand up for themselves and that’s why they should contact the union.
“We will not stand by and allow workers to be put at risk,” he said.
Two weeks ago, as a result of a high number of fatalities across the country within a 3 week period, the CFMEU called on all workers to take care in the lead up to holidays due to the occurrence of a ‘Christmas rush’.
“Everyone is keen to get things done before Christmas,” said Mr Cartledge.
“But we want you to have an enjoyable Christmas with your family. Take care and don’t take short cuts with yourself or anyone else.”
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Maybe if the courts stopped issuing laughable fines to giant conglomerates but instead wielded their power to give the fat cats at the top some time in jail, then they would listen and act accordingly.
What about his work mates duty of care to look after him not just the company!
Oh yeah and what happens the people who speak out get the flick !!! Why not legislate on a maximum temperature where works cease ??
There is nothing in place to protect chefs from working in extreme heat. I have worked in many kitchens with an average temperature over 45.
Kitchens should be set up better it can be done it’s just $$$$$
Harden the fuck up !
The kid died piss poor response by you
Go me !
Connie Pasinok
Hahahaha, no work above 40 degrees? No mine in Australia would run!
Hmmm anyone working in the Pilbara in Sumer is working in this kind of heat ! Do we all stop ! What a joke ! Hydration training is what’s gone wrong here that is not only a company issue but also a duty of care issue for all those working with this young guy they are all responsible for this !
Duty of care !! Look after you and your mates
Angus James
Fucking soft . I’ve worked in 45+ In the sun Doing 12 hr shifts as a Diesel Fitter doing fifo for the last five years . I didn’t soft out and cry about it because I got paid good money to work hard . Maybe if we actuly got on with the job we wouldn’t be a bunch of sorf cocks these days bitching about overseas workers coming to do our jobs. Grow up Australia and get back to work!!!
Hahahahaha what a joke this world is getting softer and softer!!! Pathetic
The kid died piss poor response by you
Far as I know he is still in hospital! And he didn’t get that way from just the heat, he wasn’t hydrated what so ever, plus piss weak what do yah wxpect
Soft cocks they get paid a fortune and complain but it’s ok to buy you wives new v8 cars and new homes ??? Stop wining do the job or let the old wigs do it
The young complain but do not stand up for thier rights and the employer loves this and do thier best to replace the old with the young. What will happen with this young lad doung his best for his bosses wel they will do the best they can to exploit the duty of care this boy should have taken into account to save blame on them and the company will be the first to complain that people should take responsability for thier actions.
Duty of care also extends to his work mate who should have been looking after him as a new guy don’t just blame the company that how duty of care in action is supposed to work
The company knows theres problems and as in the case of a recent death in western australia they have been informed before hand that theres problems but everyone too worried about speaking up as thier job would be on the line. Duty of care to bosses is a cop out implemented by liberalism
Your a dribbler
Duty of care is everyone’s responsibility
The guy next to him is as responsible for his work mate just as much as the boss is
What did his workmates do to look after him ? SFA ! Just like his boss . All are equally responsible
My point is you obvious boss suck up. Young people are intimidated to shut up. Well documented in a multiple of court cases . Now back to your brown nosing mate.
Hmm called that right. Operations manager what should i have expected
Harden up princess
Michael Steinback
Make sure you pace your selves while working in the extreme heat. Always take short regular breaks in a cool or shaded area and most importantly keep your water intake up because the more you sweat the more fluid you lose and it needs to be replaced.
Head aches are a good indicator so monitor your hydration habits ths season.
Try to avoid cafiene and cigarettes.