Resources Regulator launches video campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of working in extreme heat

NSW Resources Regulator Launches Video Campaign to Raise Awareness About the Dangers of Working in Extreme Heat

NSW Resources Regulator has recently launched a video campaign to educate mine workers about the dangers of heat stress. Extreme heat poses serious hazards for outdoor workers, and this initiative aims to help crews recognise warning signs before conditions become dangerous.

"Heat stress can happen quickly and can be dangerous," said NSW Resources Regulator Principal Inspector Russell Wood.

"It happens when our body's cooling system can't keep up with the heat and can cause other heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps. Recognising the early warning signs is crucial."

Why Heat Stress Awareness Matters for Mine Workers

Heat-related hazards remain a significant health concern across the resources sector, particularly during warmer months when temperatures climb steadily on-site. Mining operations often involve strenuous physical labour in exposed conditions, so understanding these hazards supports both individual wellbeing and broader workplace health outcomes.

Resources Regulator advises mine workers to drink enough water and take regular breaks when working in the heat. These simple measures form part of a wider approach to worker care that many NSW operations now prioritise as standard practice.

How Employers Can Support Worker Health and Safety

Beyond individual precautions, employers carry responsibility for providing adequate support services and care arrangements for staff exposed to extreme conditions. Practical steps include:

• Scheduling work during cooler parts of the day where possible
• Providing accessible water stations and shaded rest services
• Training supervisors to spot early signs of heat-related illness
• Reviewing risk assessments regularly to address changing hazards

These services work alongside individual awareness campaigns to build a stronger culture of care across the community of resources workers throughout NSW.

Employers seeking to strengthen their approach to workplace exposure hazards may find it useful to review our Utilities (Working in the Vicinity of) Risk Management Plan, which supports broader risk management practices for outdoor and field-based services.

For organisations managing worker interactions with the public during extreme heat events, our Working with the Public Policy offers additional guidance on maintaining safety and care standards.

Related Safety Campaigns Worth Reviewing

This heat stress initiative follows a pattern of proactive regulator engagement across Australian workplaces. Readers may also find our coverage of the NSW Resources Regulator's Annual High-Visibility Campaign relevant, alongside SafeWork's campaign protecting retail workers from extreme heat and SafeWork SA's hearing loss awareness campaign.

Read more here.