Summer Safety Essentials for Queensland Workplaces | Life International Training Pty Ltd

In Queensland, where it feels like summer all year, the actual summer months turn up the heat even further.

Along with soaring temperatures, this season also brings wild weather and a heightened risk of natural disasters. This intense period poses significant workplace health and safety challenges for businesses across the state. It’s essential that businesses are aware of and effectively manage these risks to ensure continuous operations and safety of employees.

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.

Workplace Strategies for Summer Safety:

Hydration Strategies:

Businesses should encourage regular hydration by providing easily accessible drinking water stations throughout the workplace and setting reminders for employees to drink water, helping prevent dehydration and heatstroke. Sometimes water alone is not enough. Provide electrolyte drinks and supplements to employees to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, which is a significant factor in dehydration.

Cooling Measures:

Implementing cooling measures such as air conditioning, adequate shading, and ventilation can help control indoor temperatures. Providing cooling vests and towels or portable fans can also be beneficial for outdoor or unshaded work areas.

Scheduling and Breaks:

Adjust work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, typically from late morning to mid-afternoon. Increase the frequency and length of breaks during these periods to allow employees to recover and hydrate appropriately. It’s not a requirement but it is recommended workplaces that are predominately outdoors have a cut off temperature. For example when a particular construction company may cease operations once the temperature reaches 37 degrees.

Fire and Flood Preparedness for Queensland Businesses:

Evacuation Plans:

Life International Training helps ensure that fire safety officers are well-prepared to develop and implement robust evacuation plans. Regular training on evacuation routes and procedures is crucial, particularly in the context of dynamic environmental conditions.

Role of Fire Wardens:

Fire Wardens play a crucial role in maintaining and executing evacuation plans. They conduct regular drills that not only familiarise staff with evacuation procedures but also identify potential improvements in the plans. Their expertise ensures that all safety measures comply with the latest regulations and best practices.

Emergency Kits:

Prepare emergency kits stocked with first aid supplies, water, non-perishable food, and other essentials. These kits should be easily accessible and sufficient to support all employees if they become stranded.

Regular Updates:

Stay informed about potential bushfire and flood threats by monitoring local weather reports and maintaining communication with local emergency services. This information is vital for timely responses to developing threats.

How Life International Training Can Help

The Life International Training specialised training programs can help your business manage the risks of heat stress, dehydration, and natural disasters effectively.

Our expert-led courses in advanced first aid, evacuation coordination, and emergency response ensure that your Emergency Control Organisation and staff are well-prepared to act swiftly and effectively in case of bushfires or floods.

Partner with us to strengthen your summer safety protocols and ensure a healthier, safer summer for everyone at your workplace.

Call 1300 888 765