Alert issued as high temperatures pose danger for Queensland resource employees

The independent regulator for safety and health in Queensland's mining, quarrying, petroleum, gas, and explosives sectors warns that resource workers face a heightened risk of heat stress as temperatures remain above normal ahead of summer.

The regulator notes that an uncharacteristic spring heatwave has led to temperatures in many areas of the state being 2-5°C above the usual levels, with some regions approaching 10°C higher than the average.

Chief Executive Officer of Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) Rob Djukic said heat represents a serious health threat to resource workers and encouraged sites to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to manage heat exposure effectively.

“Symptoms can include a range of progressive conditions such as dehydration, fainting, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” he said.

“The strategies and techniques we use to reduce heat stress at resource sites are simple but sometimes overlooked.

“That includes modifying the environment to suit the work, modifying the work to suit the environment, or sometimes a combination of both.”

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