We’ve just witnessed one of the hottest summers in the recent history. And let’s face it; Australia is one of the hottest places on earth. To add insult to injury, the effects of global warming are driving summer temperatures to unacceptable levels. That’s why it comes as no big surprise that workers compensation claims for heat-related injuries at the workplace are on the rise.
That said, regulating workplace heat isn’t all about workers’ productivity and comfort; heat stress in a working environment can result in injuries and illnesses, not to mention death.
In this article, we’ve rounded up tried-and-true ways to keep workplace heat-related injuries at bay.

Ensure Adequate Ventilation
Workplaces with confined or restricted spaces without ample ventilation can cause severe heat stress to workers. It’s, therefore, imperative that you see to it that working environment has sufficient airflow. Perhaps you can invest in a robust AC system.

Encourage Employees to Stay Hydrated
Australian outdoor workers bear the brunt of exhausting heat when it comes to heat waves. That is the reason why health experts recommend that they drink at least half-litre of water before any strenuous activity. However, workers should be encouraged to keep hydrating by drinking at least 250ml of fluids every 20 minutes.

Wear Thin, Breathable Synthetic Fabrics
If you want to beat heat stress and avoid related injuries, you have to wear something suitable. In case your employer doesn’t enforce a dress code, loose, thin fabrics can do the trick. Not only are they comfy, but also known to cool down the skin through healthy evaporation. In any case, avoid cotton at all cost. Don’t get me wrong; cotton is a good wear, but it tends to soak up the sweat, leading to a heat buildup.

Always Wear Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Here’s a no-brainer tip to avoid heat stress: always stick to your PPE! It doesn’t matter if it’s scorching hot or not, PPE can be indispensable. Of course, it cannot protect you if you don’t wear it. If it becomes too uncomfortable, you can take breaks to cool off.

If Possible Wear a Hat
No one can deny the importance of protective hats. Wear a hat. A wide brim hat is best, not a baseballcap which only covers part of the head, because it protects theneck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.

Take Time to Get Used to the Heat
If you’re not used to working in the heat, it’s best to acclimatise into the outdoors, with 5 to 7 days of gradual exposure. Even workers who have gotten used to high-temperature working conditions might require re-acclimation once they take 4 or more days out of the heat.
What to Do If a Heat-related Injury Has Inflicted You at Workplace?

Sure, you can do all you can to avoid heat stress, but heat-related illnesses and injuries do happen every day. When they do, it’s best to seek legal consult from reliable, trustworthy, and prominent compensation lawyers. This way, you are certain to get the most compensation for loss of wages, medical attention, and other related costs.

For more information, Please contact us.

Foyle Legal
6/2 Carson Road
Malaga, Perth, WA 6090
Phone: 0408727343
https://foylelegal.com/