Workplace health and safety regulators are urging employers to create heat management plans in collaboration with health and safety representatives and workers to protect against rising summer temperatures.
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body overheats due to strenuous work, with symptoms ranging from dehydration, fainting, and heat rash to more severe conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
SafeWork NSW advises employers with outdoor workers to minimise prolonged sun exposure. Strategies include providing shade, rotating tasks, scheduling work during cooler periods, and supplying protective gear such as hats, long-sleeve shirts, and sunscreen.
Australia leads the world in skin cancer rates, with over 95% caused by solar UV radiation. It’s important workers who spend the day outdoors reduce their risk of developing skin cancer by wearing UPF 50+ sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and applying SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen regularly.
SafeWork NSW has a heat management plan website and SeasonalSAFE tool, and also provides information about Ultra-violet (UV) radiation, the risks and how to prevent exposure.
“As the weather heats up it’s important that businesses and workers start to talk about the procedures they will use to keep everyone safe from heat-related illnesses. We don’t want to see anyone needing medical attention due to heat exposure this summer,” said Head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin.
“Worker safety must come first.” Head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin.
SafeWork NSW shared these seven tips to help workers stay cool this summer:
Article source: Australian Institute of Health & Safety
How can we support
From prevention to recovery, the Mutual Benefits Program provides complementary support to all EML Group customers with a range of products, tools and services to support your workplace safety needs.
Employer Training Program: We offer customers an extensive program of up to 90 free training events each year, designed to support the professional development and education needs within your organisation. Topics include our safety series: outdoor sun safety, safety management, hazard identification as well as risk assessment and controls.
EMlearning: Our online training platform, EMlearning, provides exclusive access to 40 interactive and engaging workplace risk courses at no additional cost to our customers. Stay compliant with industry regulations (such as the international standard for managing safety in the workplace (ISO 45001) and facilitating safe and sustainable return to work plans under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013).
Management Tools and Resources: We offer a range of free tools and resources to help you identify opportunity areas and implement your WHS strategy. Learn more on our WHS Online Health Check that can help you to understand your business’ maturity towards managing WHS risks.
Partnerships: Working collaboratively alongside like-minded partners, provides Mutual Benefits access to opportunities and solutions for our customers and the communities we serve. Learn more on about our partners, including Cancer Council and Let’s Talk About Safety.
By integrating these initiatives, resources, and tools into your workplace you can empower your employees to work more safely and effectively.
At the EML Group, we’re here to support your journey toward a safer, healthier workplace.
Contact us mutualbenefits@eml.com.au or visit www.eml.com.au/mutualbenefits
Disclaimer The EML Group is made up of a group of companies owned and operated by a partnership between Employers Mutual Limited ABN 67 000 006 486 and ASWIG Management Pty Limited ABN 52 002 617 012, providing personal injury claims management and administrative services to government and non-government entities across the workers compensation, life insurance and accident industries.
Employers Mutual Limited (ABN 67 000 006 486) is a mutual company owned by its members. The Mutual Benefits Program is funded by Employers Mutual Limited. Employers Mutual Limited is proudly part of the EML Group.
The information contained on this article has been prepared for general information only. It has not been prepared for any person's individual circumstances and is not intended to be legal, medical or workplace health and safety advice. EML takes no responsibility for the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of any information included in the material provided.