Heat Stress:
Queensland's summer heat can lead to serious health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration. Heat stroke is a serious condition indicated by a rise in core body temperature, fainting, slurred speech, dizziness and clammy skin. These conditions not only endanger health but also significantly reduce productivity and increase the likelihood of workplace accidents due to impaired judgment and concentration.
Dehydration:
Failing to maintain adequate hydration can have severe effects on health, including urinary and kidney problems, electrolyte imbalances, and reduced mental functioning, which are particularly dangerous in high-temperature work environments. Severe dehydration can result in hospitlisation or even death, so this is an extremely important risk to mitigate.
UV Exposure:
UV exposure, especially over prolonged periods of time is a health risk. Some workplaces are predominately outside, exposing workers to an increased risk of skin cancers, especially if they are not wearing the correct PPE and sun protection. In fact from 2010-2019, 940 workers compensation claims were skin cancer related from sun exposure hazards.
Environmental Hazards:
The summer months in Queensland see a higher incidence of bushfires and floods, increasing risks to safety and accessibility. Effective preparation for these events is crucial to protect employees and business assets.