Health & Safety > Heat Safety Procedure
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Revised Date: 24 August 2017
This guideline details the issues that need to be considered when staff are working on days of excessive heat.
Aim
Some people may feel uncomfortable working in conditions that are too hot and this may cause errors, inefficiencies and accidents. In extreme situations health may be impaired.
As heat increases the load to the heart, staff with heart conditions may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat.
This guidelines details what factors should be considered when determining the safety of employees on excessive heat days
Scope
This guideline refers to all Kyeema employees and participants working in excessive heat.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of all managers.
Method
Currently there is no legislation in Australia which specifies the maximum temperature that employees can be exposed to. However, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985, requires employers to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to the health.
In determining if the work place is safe due to excessive heat the Manager should consider the following:
1. What tasks are the staff performing and are there other alternative tasks that could be performed which are less physical?
2. Can the tasks be performed in the shade?
3. Can the tasks be rescheduled so that they are not performed in the heat of the day (i.e. before 11.00 am or after 3.00 pm).
4. Can more regular rest breaks be taken if the tasks are required to be performed ?
5. If satisfactory to the Manager, it may be possible for staff to cease work, using any accrued time available.
It is important that staff working in the heat consume regular amounts of water to ensure that they do not dehydrate. Note that soft drink can further increase dehydration.