ISSUE 1 2014 www.awu.net.au
TAKE THE PRESSURE DOWN LET’S GET A GRIP ON WORK-RELATED STRESS
❛
MANY WORKPLACES HAVE STRESS PROGRAMS, WHAT’S MISSING IS PRIMARY PREVENTION
PROFESSOR NIKI ELLIS
STAY SAFE
HOT STUFF: Survival tips for working in the heat NANOPARTICLES: What are they & should we be worried?
SUCCESS STORY
REPORT: The AWU & Australian Vinyls’ fatigue management plan OUCH... THAT HURT! Get back on track with safe lifting procedures
NATIONAL ROUND-UP • WORKING AT HEIGHTS • ONLINE TRAINING SM Cover_final.indd 1
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NANOTECHNOLOGY
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE The science of nanotechnology is slowly filtering into Australian workplaces, yet the health implications of working in this industry remain largely a mystery. We look at what this new era means for workers – and why Health & Safety Reps should stay informed.
“Some carbon nanotubes are almost identical in size and structure to asbestos fibres and there is no known safe level of exposure with asbestos.”
“It’s difficult to have a discussion with our members about this. You start talking carbon nanotubes and you can see their eyes glazing over.” AWU Victorian Branch Safety Unit
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IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
AWU Victorian Branch Safety Unit
SAFETY MATTERS www.awu.net.au
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WORKING IN THE HEAT
NO SWEAT Some people work in fully air-conditioned environments, but many others don’t. Here’s how Health & Safety Reps can cool things down with some sound advice about handling the heat in hotter than average workplaces.
When a job requires workers to perform their tasks in a hot environment, either inside or outside, there are procedures that must be followed. Guidelines addressing heat stress may vary from workplace to workplace – but the impact of heat-related illness and ways to avoid and treat it on-site are universal.
HOW HOT IS TOO HOT? Discomfort, regardless of the temperature, is a valid indicator and should be taken seriously.
36˚C work should cease until the temperature drops to an acceptable level
35˚C break for
30
INDOORS: heat stress conditions should apply at 30˚C, and work should cease at 36˚C
minutes each hour
OUTDOORS work should cease at 35˚C, with emergency work rates to apply to jobs that must be finished (eg pouring concrete)
32-35˚C break for
15
minutes each hour
Rest and hydration are essential
30˚C break for
10
Images: Getty Images
KEEPING YOUR COOL
minutes each hour
Over
30˚C
, drink a cup of water every 15-20 minutes
If the temperature reaches 36°C in an indoor environment STOP WORK Temperature & break times are guides only. Full risk assessments must always apply during these conditions.
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SAFETY MATTERS www.awu.net.au
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WORKING IN THE HEAT
HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES Prickly heat Prickly heat is an itchy rash that occurs when sweat ducts become blocked during prolonged exposure to heat and humidity.
Heat exhaustion
IS THIS AUSTRALIA’S HOTTEST JOB?
Sources WorkCover NSW: Work in Hot or Cold Environments Code of Practice (2001); Workers Health Centre: Working in Hot Temperatures Health and Safety Fact Sheet; AWU Heat Stress Policy Guidelines (Indoors)
AWU Port Kembla, South Coast and Southern Highlands Branch Assistant Secretary Dave Hancock reckons the guys spraying the sullage tanks at the BlueScope steelworks just might hold the title. To reline the tanks, guys get inside to spray tunnage and routinely work in 120˚F (48˚C) heat. “I don’t know how they do it,” Dave says. “They wear full safety gear which makes it even hotter.”
This is the last stop before full-blown heat stroke and can present in a number of ways, including... ➜ clammy skin ➜ confusion ➜ slurred speech ➜ irritability
If that describes your mates at work most of the time, look out for... ➜ rapid pulse ➜ nausea ➜ light-headedness ➜ fatigue ➜ lack of concentration
Heat stroke If the dehydration escalates, heat stroke may result. If your workmates exhibit any of the following, you need to cool them down – their lives may depend on it... ➜ incoherence ➜ deliriousness ➜ rise in core temperature ➜ hot skin (even if they feel cold) ➜ staggering ➜ convulsions ➜ unconsciousness
CALL FOR HELP If you’re unsure of the extent of an incident of heat-related illness
CALL AN AMBULANCE Serious heat-related illnesses require urgent medical attention
If someone exhibits any heat-related symptoms, cool them down with... ➜ air-con ➜ cold packs ➜ fanning ➜ cold bath ➜ seek urgent medical help right away – you could be saving their life
SAFETY MATTERS www.awu.net.au
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Prepared and issued by Sunsuper Pty Ltd (ABN 88 010 720 840, AFSL No; 228975), the trustee and issuer of the Sunsuper Superannuation Fund (ABN 98 503 137 921). It contains general advice and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. You should consider if the advice is appropriate to your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. Outcomes are not guaranteed. You should also consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before deciding to acquire or continue to hold any financial product. For a copy of the PDS, contact 13 11 84 or visit sunsuper.com.au. Advice is provided by representatives of Sunsuper Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 50 087 154 818, AFSL No. 227867), wholly owned by the Sunsuper Superannuation Fund.
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SAFETY MATTERS www.awu.net.au
7 7 5
Mobile Plant Operators
2 5 4 1 7 2 3 1
Design, Engineering, Science Transport Professionals
Business, HR & Marketing Professionals
Sports & Personal Service Workers
Other Community & Personal Service Workers
Sales Workers
Clerical Admin Workers
Other Professionals
4
Other Managers
10 7
Hospitality & Retail Service Managers
MANAGERS 23 DEATHS
PROFESSIONALS 10 DEATHS SALES WORKERS 3 DEATHS
CLERICAL ADMIN WORKERS W 1 DEATH
Source: Safe Work Australia
MACHINERY OPERATORS & DRIVERS 32 DEATHS
Specialist Managers
LABOURERS 67 DEATHS
Farmers & Farm Managers
Road & Rail Drivers
12 8
Machine & Stationary Plant Operators
28 24 4 15
Storepersons
Farm, Forestry Garden Workers
Construction Mining Labourers
Other Labourers
7
Other technicians and trade workers
47 13 13
Skilled Animal Horticultural Trades Workers
Automotive Engineering Trades Workers
Electrotechnology Telecommunications Trades Workers
Construction Trade Workers
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WORKING AT HEIGHTS
DEATHS IN THE WORKPACE DUE TO FALLS workers have died at work over the periods 2003 – 2004 & 2010 – 2011 due to falling from a height.
232
TECHNICIANS & TRADES WORKERS 87 DEATHS
COMMUNITY PERSONEL & SERVICE WORKERS 9 DEATHS
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