Working in extreme heat poses OHS and WHS risk

As the majority of Australia swelters under a heatwave this week, Safe Work Australia has published a guide for managing the risks of working in heat.

“Heat is a hazard in many Australian workplaces, whether work is performed indoors or outdoors,” said Safe Work Australia chief executive officer Michelle Baxter.

“With the onset of warmer months, now is a good time for workplaces to review their controls for working in hot conditions and take steps to ensure workers are safe.”

According to SafeWork Australia, the guide provides practical guidance on how to manage the risks associated with working in heat, and information on what to do if a worker begins to suffer from a heat-related illness.

“Eliminating the hazard is the first priority for worker safety,” said Baxter.

“Sometimes this may mean cancelling or rescheduling work for when there are cooler conditions.”

“The new guide covers a range of tactics for managing heat in the workplace, as well as information on recognising and treating the most common forms of heat-related illness.”

 

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