Feeling hot under the collar?

Businesses should adopt a risk management approach to identify;
 

• the hazards associated with working in these temperatures
• what control measures can be implemented to keep the risk as low as reasonably practicable.

The first step is to identify the sources of heat by looking at the work environment, the plant used and work processes and practices. The effects of heat on the body are influenced by environmental factors such as:

• air temperature: how hot the surrounding air is
• humidity: the moisture content in the air
• air movement: including air speed and air circulation
• radiant heat: heat radiating from the sun, or emitted by plant, buildings, fixtures or processes.
   

Are people exposed to risk through the physical activities they perform, their proximity to hot plant or substances or their surroundings/work environment in which they are located?

Some possible effects from exposure to hot environments could include fatigue, sweating, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and collapse.

To determine how serious your heat problem could be a risk assessment will need to be undertaken. Some of the risk factors that will need to be considered include the source of the heat, the nature of the work undertaken, the duration of exposure to heat, the physical condition and capability of the worker and past experience of problems arising from work in hot environments.  

Control measures as outlined in the OHS Regulations 2001, clause 47 include:

• providing adequate ventilation and air movement in indoor environments that may become hot
• appropriate work and rest regimes relative to the physical fitness, general health, medication taken and body weight of each employee exposed to heat are implemented.

Employers should look at some specific controls they can implement to minimise the risk. These can include:

• allowing workers to start earlier  to avoid the heat
• ensuring adequate drinking facilities, providing cool drinking water
• monitoring temperatures in the workplace
• providing fans
• allowing regular rest breaks in cooler areas
• providing shade where possible if outdoors
• installing screening across windows that let in the direct sun
• using the buddy system – work in pairs so that one worker can recognise the danger signs of heat stress
• learning the signs and symptoms of heat-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help workers
• training workers about heat-induced illnesses and injuries
• encouraging workers to wear proper clothing for hot and humid conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions
• ensuring people working outside wear hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and sensible clothing for protection from the sun
• planting trees outside the building for a longer-term effect
• rotation of people or duties, schedule heavy work and tasks that require the wearing of PPE for cooler times of the day
• development of a heat policy in consultation with employees and inclusion of exposure to heat in first aid and emergency  procedures.

 Employees should:

• drink 100-200 ml of water at regular intervals, do not allow yourself to become thirsty 
• avoid drinking coffee, tea, alcohol and caffeinated soft drinks 
• wear light coloured, loose clothing made of natural fibres wherever possible
• take regular breaks in a cool place
• monitor your physical condition and that of your co-workers
• seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of heat stress – including feeling sick, nauseous, dizzy or weak. 

Some employers may need to check their industrial award agreements to see if there are any other requirements or stipulations.

To help implement the requirements there is a code of practice “Working in Hot or Cold Environments” and a “Work in Hot Environments Fact Sheet” available from WorkCover on 131050 or www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.
 

For assistance with managing OHS in your business:
Contact Ramon Gebert via email or call on 13 26 96.