Working in the heat safety campaign

WorkCover NSW has launched an awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of working in the heat during summer.

The campaign will run this month on commercial radio stations in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong and urges workers to prevent heat stress by drinking plenty of water, taking breaks and limiting time in heat.

General manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division John Watson said the risks of heat stress can be deadly and had resulted in a number of fatalities in New South Wales.

“Fatigue and heat stress can affect a worker’s health, reducing their performance and productivity, and increasing the chance of a workplace injury through reduced ability to concentrate, recognise risks and communicate effectively,” Watson said.

“In the three years to July 2011, there were 497 claims for workplace fatigue and heat stroke at a cost of $4.3 million to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.

“We’re currently in the hottest months of the year and it’s why we’re urging workers to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated when working during the hottest times of the day as it is the best source of hydration.”

The campaign features daily advertisements and mentions during traffic, weather and UV reports on commercial radio stations throughout Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong.

“It also features crosses to street teams who will be handing out free WorkCover-branded water bottles at TAFEs and hardware stores,” Watson said.

As well as providing water and encouraging workers to keep hydrated, WorkCover recommends employers take the following actions to reduce workers’ exposure to prevent heat stress:

• Provide and maintain equipment and shelter to protect workers from the sun.
• Provide sun safety information, instruction, training and supervision.
• Rotate tasks to lessen exposure to the sun as well as mental and physical fatigue, and schedule work at cooler times of the day if possible.
• Use rest periods in addition to scheduled meal breaks if possible.
• Provide personal protective equipment such as: clothing with UPF 50+ rating, loose shirts with long sleeves, collars and long pants; broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+); sunglasses which meet Australian Standards for UV protection.
• Understand and act on the symptoms of heat stress.

Further information on heat stress management and working safely in the sun is available from WorkCover NSW or by calling 13 10 50. Other sun safety resources are available from the Cancer Council.