NT WorkSafe issues heatwave warning after two workers suffer heat illnesses

Northern Territory workplace safety regulator is urging employers to protect outdoor workers from heat stress after two workers suffered heat-related illnesses last month.

NT WorkSafe said a young worker suffered from heat stroke after working on the roof of a rural property on 12 October. Two days later, a 45-year-old seasonal worker collapsed while working at a mango farm in the Darwin rural area. The worker was taken to hospital after experiencing dehydration.

“A heatwave warning had been issued on Tuesday 10 October 2023 by the Bureau of Meteorology, with extreme heatwave conditions forecasted for the following days in the area both workers were working in,” NT WorkSafe said.

The safety watchdog says employers are required by law to take measures to protect outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses.

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