With a severe heatwave affecting much of New South Wales this week, SafeWork NSW is urging miners to start planning now for how they will stay safe this summer.
Temperatures reached up to 12°C above average across much of the state’s east this week, and experts are expecting even more heat spikes as the summer season takes off.
The Bureau of Meteorology has declared temperatures are “very likely” to be well above average from December through to February, with Queensland, NSW, the Northern Territory and Western Australia expected to be the most affected.
“As the weather heats up it’s important businesses and workers start to talk about the procedures they will use to keep everyone safe from heat-related illnesses,” SafeWork NSW head Trent Curtin said.
“We don’t want to see anyone needing medical attention due to heat exposure this summer.”
Employers have the primary duty of care for employees and are encouraged to develop a workplace heat management plan.
Provisions under an effective plan include providing shade, rotating tasks to reduce exposure, scheduling work to cooler times of the day and providing personal protective equipment such as hats, long sleeve shirts and sunscreen.
Heat related illnesses happen when the body starts to overheat due to working too hard.
Symptoms can include a range of progressive conditions such as dehydration, fainting, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Curtin said hydration is vital and warned soft drinks, energy drinks or coffee are not a replacement for water as these can dehydrate workers further.
“Workers are reminded to listen to their body when the temperature rises and to drink plenty of water,” he said.
“If the weather becomes too hot and can’t be avoided then the job might have to be stopped.
“Worker safety must come first.”
Subscribe to Safe to Work to get the safety news that matters to the Australian mining industry.