Hot conditions are a hazard for anyone working outdoors in Australia. This guide summarises WorkSafe WA's guidance on working safely in hot conditions. Employers and site managers have formal duties, and workers can use the same information to look after themselves and their colleagues.
1. Heat is a workplace risk
WorkSafe WA says employers and others who run a business or undertaking must provide a working environment that does not expose workers to health and safety risks, including heat illness. Risks should be assessed, taking account of air temperature, humidity, radiant heat, airflow, workload, worker fitness and clothing.
2. Know the warning signs
- Discomfort: flushed skin, heavy sweating, prickly heat rash.
- Mild heat illness: tiredness, dizziness, weakness, cramps, poor concentration and irritability.
- Heat exhaustion: fainting, headache, nausea, clammy or pale skin.
- Heat stroke: confusion, speech problems, hot dry skin, convulsions or unconsciousness. WorkSafe WA describes this as potentially fatal and needing immediate first aid and medical attention. Heatstroke can cause hot, dry skin, although a person may still be sweaty if they have been exercising. Healthdirect describes it as a medical emergency: call 000 and ask for an ambulance, move the person to a cool or shady place, stay with them and start cooling them while waiting for help.
Anyone who feels tired, dizzy or weak, or has trouble concentrating, should take a break and tell their supervisor.
3. Water
As general workplace guidance, not a personal requirement for every person or task, WorkSafe WA recommends replacing fluids with about 250 millilitres of water every 15 to 20 minutes during hot work, and starting the shift well hydrated. Clean drinking water should be readily available. Low-joule cordials or electrolyte drinks can help, but high-sugar cordials and sports drinks are not recommended. It also advises limiting caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol and tobacco.
4. Plan the work
- Plan ahead when hot weather is forecast, and confirm preventive measures can be put in place.
- Schedule hot tasks for cooler parts of the day or cooler times of the year where possible.
- Provide extra rest breaks in cool, shaded areas.
5. Acclimatisation
WorkSafe WA says acclimatisation to heat takes about 7 to 14 days to develop, declines after about 3 days away from hot work and is fully lost after about 4 weeks. People returning to hot work, or starting it, need extra care, and those with pre-existing medical conditions should follow medical advice.
6. Clothing
For outdoor work, WorkSafe WA recommends UV protection: a wide-brim hat, loose long-sleeved collared shirt, long pants, sunglasses and sunscreen. It notes that protective clothing can restrict air flow and sweat evaporation, so heat risk needs to be considered when choosing protective equipment.
This guide is general information, not medical or workplace safety advice. If someone shows signs of severe heat illness, call emergency services. Follow your employer's procedures and the current guidance from your state or territory work health and safety regulator.
Sources and further reading
- WorkSafe, Government of Western Australia: Working safely in hot conditions
- Healthdirect Australia: Heatstroke