News, Work health and safety

Extreme heatwave warning for mining hotspots

Heat stress extreme heat NT extreme heatwave NT

The Bureau of Meteorology has released heatwave warnings for much of Australia starting today through to next week.

Extreme heatwave conditions have been declared over the next five days through parts of the Kimberly, the Pilbara the north interior and north western parts of Western Australia.

Parts of Victoria, Tasmania, and north western WA has been forewarned of extreme heatwave conditions beginning towards the end of the week through to at least Tuesday.

Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued to parts of the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the top end and western Northern Territory, and southern and western Queensland, and parts of South Australia.

Kalgoorlie, Leonora and Laverton are among the WA mining districts that will see temperatures reach 47°C on Monday, with Meekatharra hitting 47°C next Tuesday and the Gascoyne region topping 47°C for three consecutive days starting on Saturday.

Temperatures near BHP’s Roxby Downs in SA are expected to reach up to 46°C by next Tuesday, prompting warnings from the state’s safety regulator.

SafeWork SA executive director Glenn Farrell said employers and business operators have a duty of care to protect staff and contractors from extreme heat.

“One of the most critical things businesses and employers can do is to consider how they can re-arrange work activities, to best protect their workers,” Farrell said.

“Apart from the obvious risks of dehydration and heat stress, heat-induced fatigue can be a serious safety issue for those operating heavy plant and equipment.

“Employers are advised to educate their workplaces about how to minimise risks at work during heatwaves and to provide resources and information to prepare staff for working in the heat.”

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