Severe to extreme heatwave conditions forecasted for the Territory

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecasted severe to extreme heatwave conditions for most of the Northern Territory for the next few days.

Heat related illnesses range from heat rashes, heat cramps and dehydration to heat exhaustion and heat stroke which can be fatal.

Symptoms of heat related illnesses can include:

• Excessive sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting.

Employer responsibility

Employers must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, workers carrying out work in extremes of heat are able to carry out work without risk to health and safety.
Employers should:

• Provide information at the start of each shift on the signs or symptoms of heat related illnesses, including the emergency response procedures if a heat related incident occurs
• Consider scheduling the work to avoid the hottest part of the day
• Share the workload between workers so as not to overload any one worker
• Ensure workers have access to cold drinking water
  • Cold water can assist your workers with lowering their core temperature
• Ensure workers have access to and use shade protection (at a minimum a hat and sun screen)
• Check your personal protective equipment is appropriate for the type of work being done and the amount of heat the workers are exposed to
• Allow for more rest breaks so your workers can cool down.

In particular, employers should check on new workers to the Territory who may not be acclimatised to the heat.

Additional information

• Working in heat - Information bulletin
• Managing the work environment and facilities - Code of Practice
• Heat stress – Department of Health information
• Guide for managing the risks of working in heat – Safe Work Australia
• Heatwave Service for Australia – Bureau of Meteorology