WorkCover NSW has launched a new awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers of working in the heat during the summer.

The month-long campaign was launched early last week and will run on commercial radio stations in Newcastle, Central Coast and Wollongong and urges workers to avoid the perils of heat stress by drinking plenty of water, taking breaks and limiting time in the heat.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson said the risks of heat-stress can be deadly and had resulted in a number of fatalities in New South Wales.

Fatigue and heat stress can affect a worker’s health, reducing their performance and productivity, and increasing the chance of a workplace injury through reduced ability to concentrate, recognise risks and communicate effectively,” Mr Watson said.

“In the three years to July 2011 there were 497 claims for workplace fatigue and heat stroke at a cost of $4.3 million to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.

As well as providing water and encouraging workers to keep hydrated, WorkCover recommends employers take the following actions to reduce workers’ exposure to prevent heat stress:

  • · Provide and maintain equipment and shelter to protect workers from the sun
  • · Provide sun safety information, instruction, training and supervision
  • · Rotate tasks to lessen exposure to the sun as well as mental and physical fatigue, and schedule work at cooler times of the day if possible
  • · Use rest periods in addition to scheduled meal breaks if possible
  • · Provide personal protective equipment such as:
    • clothing with UPF 50+ rating, loose shirts with long sleeves, collars and long pants
    • broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)
    • sunglasses which meet Australian Standards for UV protection
  • · Understand and act on the symptoms of heat stress.

Further information on heat stress management and working safely in the sun is available fromwww.workcover.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 10 50. Other sun safety resources are available from the Cancer Council at www.cancercouncil.com.au