The sunshine is back for businesses, it means the heat is on when it comes to your workplace health and safety. Protecting staff from the effects of working in a hot or humid climate is critical at this time of year. From mild dehydration to heat stroke, the dangers of a hot work environment should never be underestimated.
Protect the Body
Personal protection for working outdoors is the easiest way to avoid the effects of direct sunlight. The correct clothing and product can prevent issues such as burning or excess-sweating. Hard hats are available with neck flaps and wide brims, UV-protected safety glasses can be supplied, and sun-protective clothing can provide cover for arms and legs.
According to the Cancer Council, exposure to UV radiation is responsible for 95% of melanomas, and the majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by excess sun exposure. Sunscreen is a must for those getting more than the standard share of Vitamin D, and should be reapplied at regular intervals.
Another important consideration is drinking water, as hydration is critical when working in a hot environment. Many people ignore the telltale signs of mild dehydration, and on top of the health risks of insufficient fluid intake, dehydration can also have a negative impact on your mood, cognitive and motor skills, and memory.
It’s important for workplace health and safety that you ensure staff working outdoors take regular breaks, preferably in a shady or cool environment, in order to cool down, refresh, and rehydrate.
Cool the Air
Air conditioning isn’t always available for those hot summer days, and creating a more ambient atmosphere can make a huge difference for those feeling the heat. Use fans to circulate air around a room and provide shelter where possible in outdoor areas. In enclosed areas, consider using blinds and shades to limit direct heat through the windows.
Some industries need to take into account the upper limit of work-safe temperatures. For instance, working on a rooftop with radiant surfaces will be a far hotter environment than that of an inner-city office. On top of this, heat is often not the primary issue at work, but can affect other factors. For example, heavy lifting or pushing in a greenhouse is a far different experience to picking fruit, and working with glass and metal will create more heat than working with fabrics.
For those who wear industry-required protective workplace health and safety clothing, bear in mind that some clothing can prevent the evaporation of sweat or reduce air movement. While it’s important to stay covered, it’s also essential to ensure comfort in hot and humid environments.
Be Responsible
Having a workplace health and safety policy in place for heat and sun safety is a good start, but it’s equally important to follow through with consistent action. Use clear signage and regular training to remind staff of safety procedures, and act on any hazards.
Safe Work Australia discuss the less-recognised impacts of heat on staff, such as an expectant mother who isn’t sleeping well due to the heat, or a social worker who is expected to pay visits to vulnerable members of society, who don’t have access to reasonable housing. Other examples include those who work on electricity grids or railway tracks, repairing systems that are likely to fail as the result of a heatwave. People in such roles may not be considered as prime risks for heat-related illness, although they may be affected.
It’s well known that sleep deprivation and dehydration affect performance and productivity, and if the basic risk factor isn’t dealt with, these workers are actually at higher risk for accidents and injury.
Back Yourself Up
Some workplaces rely heavily on a temperature-controlled environment. Patients in hospital may be at higher risk if the air-conditioning was to fail, and the fallout of an overheated train can affect passengers and staff alike.
Check your generators and equipment as regularly as you would your fire safety equipment, and have emergency procedures in place for when the mercury rises.
Similarly, create an environment where all staff are responsible for workplace health and safety. When people watch out for each other by encouraging hydration, rest breaks and sun-protection, compliance is likely to be higher, and the risk of heat-related illness or injury can be minimised.
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