Managing and preventing heat stress

Over the last 120 years, heat has killed more Australians than any naturaldisaster.

BY LUCY KLUCK FAIR FARMS POLICY AND PROJECT OFFICER

As summer arrives, the season also brings storms, bushfires, floods, and cyclones. Yet for growers and workers, heat stress presents a more insidious and dangerous hazard each day.

3 WITH so many industry workers arriving from much cooler climates, it is critically important this summer that you understand the risks of heat stress and how to keep your workers safe.

Over the last 120 years, heat has killed more Australians than any natural disaster. Recently, the risks of heat became apparent when a business owner in North Queensland was fined $65,000 for the death of a backpacker who collapsed from heat stress while picking fruit. With so many industry workers arriving from much cooler climates, it is critically important this summer that you understand the risks of heat stress and how to keep your workers safe.

What is heat stress?

Heat stress refers to any heat related illness that arises when the body cannot cool itself properly. Human bodies regulate heat and cool down by sweating however, sweat can be insufficient which causes body temperature to rise. Especially in high humidity such as what we experience in Queensland! Heat stress can manifest in relatively mild conditions such as heat rash or heat cramps. While these conditions can seem more inconvenient than dangerous, they can be an early symptom of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and should be treated seriously. Heat exhaustion happens when excessive sweating in a hot environment reduces blood volume, natural fluid and salt levels. Heavy sweating, paleness, rapid heart rate, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea and fainting are all warning signs. Heat exhaustion is very dangerous and can develop into heat stroke. • Do not give them fluids to drink as the airway may be obstructed • If unconscious, lay them on their side.

How to manage heat stress

When it comes to managing heat stress, prevention is better than a cure. The risk of heat stress is highest during heat waves, high humidity, and when the temperatures are about 5°C or more above average. Workers are at higher risk when working in uncovered areas outdoors. To manage the risk of heat stroke, consider including these strategies into your WHS 3 WEAR lightweight, policies and procedures: long-sleeved, cool • Drink plenty of water and avoid clothing, sunscreen, hat, sugary drink intake and sunglasses. • Wear lightweight, long-sleeved, cool clothing If you suspect someone has heat sunglasses to workers exhaustion: • Provide workers with wet towels for • Move them to a cool, shaded area cooling down and lay them down • Organise frequent breaks in shaded • Remove their outer clothing areas and consider job rotation • Wet their skin with cool water or • Plan to schedule outdoor work in the wet cloths cooler parts of the day • If they are fully conscious, increase • If indoors, keep air circulating their fluid intake with fans • Seek medical advice. • Check in with your workers Heat stroke occurs when the body’s frequently about how they are feeling core temperature rises above 40.5°C • Ensure everyone understands the and loses the ability to sweat and signs and risks of heat stress and cool down. how to manage it. Heat stroke can develop As the frequency and duration rapidly over 10–15 minutes. Warning signs include Heat stroke can develop rapidly over of heat waves increases across Australia, it is more important than ever to stay an extremely high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, a rapid pulse, throbbing headache, 10–15 minutes. informed and understand how to keep yourself and your workers safe though hot conditions. dizziness, and nausea. MORE INFORMATION People may stagger, appear confused, Fair Farms is about raising awareness of have a seizure, or become unconscious this and many other practices that look as their central nervous systems and organs suffer severe damage. Heat stroke is incredibly dangerous and is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases. after and keep workers safe and happy. The Fair Farms Standard has been accepted as meeting responsible and ethical supplychain policies. If you suspect someone has heat stroke: Employers who wish to demonstrate compliance with the Fair Farms Standard • Call triple zero (000) immediately can achieve third-party certification with • Try to reduce their body temperature by moving them to a cool, shady area, fanning them continuously and wetting their skin with water our simpler, cheaper and Australian solution. For more information, visit www.fairfarms.com.au or email us at fairfarms@growcom.com.au • Provide sunscreen, hats, and