Construction workers in Victoria have been urged to take extra care this week as heatwaves bring a significant risk of fire danger and extreme heat.
The warning issued by WorkSafe Victoria comes as forecast temperatures were anticipated to reach more than 40 degrees Celsius across the state’s North-West, with catastrophic fire conditions predicted.
A total fire ban is in place for much of the state, including Mallee, Wimmera, South West, Northern Country, North Central, Melbourne and Geelong.
Construction workers are forbidden from carrying out any work which may be a fire hazard and provide an ignition source, such as welding or other hot works.
Tradies are also urged to reconsider using other machinery near combustible material, such as spark-producing power tools near open fuel or highly flammable sources.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer reminded site bosses of the consequences of leaving employees in at-risk situations.
“Employers have a legal obligation to monitor the conditions of their workplace so they can identify and manage any risk to health and safety, including those posed by events such as extreme weather or natural disasters,” Dr Beer said.
“Work-related hazards could include exposure to heat, fire and smoke, making it critical that employers and workers in high-risk areas are alert to the dangers and prepared to act.”
The construction industry is no stranger to heat-related health issues, with last year’s Safe Work Australia’s work-related injury fatalities report showing 1721 workers suffered serious workplace injury/ disease due to environmental factors such as heat in 2023.
Meanwhile, in January this year, a construction worker died from predicted heat stress after working in intense 36 C heat on a Queensland job site near Brisbane.
How to spot heat stress:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Feeling weak
- Pale skin
- Heavy sweating
- Headaches
- Convulsions
- Clumsiness
Dr Beer encouraged construction company operators to consider postponing or relocating work to a time or place with less risk – if possible.
“Extreme heat can be deadly, so it’s crucial that employers reduce the risks to workers who are out in the weather, as well as those who may be working in spaces without ventilation or air conditioning,” she said.
“Also, be mindful of the risk to workers exposed to bushfire smoke – and consider avoiding outdoor work on days where the air quality rating is poor, very poor or hazardous.”
Measures tradies can take to avoid heat stress include:
- Drinking cold water instead of other drinks.
- Eating regularly with a healthy diet
- Wearing cooling clothing
- Wearing a hat with neck flap
- Planning exposed/ physically demanding tasks around cooler parts of the day
- Use mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion
- Work from the shade if possible
- Take extra rest breaks
Construction workers are also encouraged to learn how to identify fire risks in their workplace and recognise heat-related illnesses in themselves and others.
To stay updated regarding the bushfire emergency in Victoria, visit the Vic emergency website.
