Heat and Fatigue
reg 36
Why it matters
An Australian summer on an exposed site is a genuine hazard, not just a hard day. Heat illness creeps up: first the cramps and the headache, then poor judgement and mistakes, then collapse. Add a long week and short sleep and the reflexes go too. Working through it is how the serious incidents happen in the afternoon.
Hazards
- ⚠ Heat exhaustion and heat stroke on hot, humid days
- ⚠ Dehydration reducing concentration and reaction time
- ⚠ Fatigue from long shifts and hot conditions causing errors
- ⚠ Radiant heat from metal roofs, plant, and enclosed spaces
- ⚠ New or returning workers not yet used to the heat
Controls and safe practices
- ✓ Apply the hierarchy of controls (reg 36): reschedule heavy work to the cooler part of the day and provide shade.
- ✓ Provide cool drinking water and encourage regular small drinks all day.
- ✓ Take rest breaks in the shade and increase them as the heat rises.
- ✓ Acclimatise new and returning workers gradually over their first days.
- ✓ Watch each other for the early signs: cramps, headache, dizziness, confusion.
- ✓ Stop and treat heat illness immediately: cool the person and call for help.
Crew discussion questions
- How hot is it forecast to get, and can we shift heavy work earlier?
- Where is the shade and the cool water on this site?
- Who is new to the crew or the heat and needs watching?
- What are the early signs of heat illness we watch for in each other?
Applicable WHS citations
reg 36
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