The Office of Industrial Relations is reminding employers to have plans in place to help keep workers safe during the hot summer months.
The Office reminded employers they had an obligation to protect their workers from heat-related illness under work health and safety laws.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace said summer had officially begun and recent high temperatures were a timely reminder to look out for colleagues and staff in the heat.
“Every single worker in Queensland has the right to go home to their loves ones at the end of the day, and employers have an obligation to keep them safe,” Ms Grace said.
“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has a brilliant, free, comprehensive guide about working in heat that I’d encourage everyone to have a look at.”
She said working in the heat could not only be uncomfortable — it could be dangerous and even fatal.
“In 2020 a worker collapsed and died after picking fruit on a farm in high temperatures, and in 2021 a North Queensland worker died from multiple organ failure due to heat-related illness,” Ms Grace said.
“In both cases, the businesses involved were prosecuted and fined for failing to comply with health and safety duties.”
“The solutions can be as simple as providing shade, avoiding outdoor work during the hottest part of the day, and ensuring inductions for new workers cover key safety measures.”
Ms Grace said it was not just about temperature and humidity.
“Obviously, exposure to direct and reflected sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, is a major risk, but air movement and radiant heat from plant and equipment being used need to be considered,” she said.
“An individual’s risk factors need to be considered in conjunction with environmental factors and the nature of the work.
“The type of work, clothing, medications, hydration levels, fitness and medical conditions are all part of the consideration,” the Minister said.
