A Proactive Approach to Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Heat Stress Management SWMS

Compliant with Safe Work Australia's Guidance on Working in Heat

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This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a framework for managing the risks of heat stress and heat-related illness in the workplace. It is a critical document for any Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) in Australia whose workers are exposed to hot conditions, whether indoors or outdoors. This SWMS outlines the procedures necessary to identify, assess, and control heat hazards in line with WHS regulations.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Heat stress is a significant occupational hazard, particularly in Australia. It occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate, leading to a rise in core body temperature. This is caused by a combination of environmental factors (high ambient temperature, humidity, radiant heat) and metabolic heat generated by physical exertion. Workers in outdoor industries like construction and agriculture are at high risk, as are those in hot indoor environments like foundries and commercial kitchens. This SWMS provides a structured plan to manage these risks and prevent the progression to serious heat-related illnesses.

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Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.

Why this SWMS matters

Managing heat stress is a critical WHS responsibility because it can impair a worker's judgment and physical capacity, increasing the risk of other accidents. More importantly, unchecked heat stress can rapidly escalate to heat exhaustion and then to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency that can be fatal. A SWMS is the primary tool for ensuring a business has a formal, proactive heat management plan. It moves beyond simply telling workers to 'drink more water' and implements a hierarchy of controls, such as rescheduling work, providing shaded areas, and implementing work-rest cycles. This documented approach is essential for legal compliance and for creating a workplace culture where the dangers of heat are taken seriously.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Heat Stress crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Heat Stroke

high

The most severe heat-related illness, occurring when the body's temperature regulation system fails. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures, and a high body temperature, but with dry skin (no sweating).

Consequence: Permanent disability or death if not treated immediately.

Heat Exhaustion

high

The body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, heavy sweating, and a rapid pulse.

Consequence: Can progress to heat stroke if not treated. Can lead to fainting and other injuries.

Dehydration

medium

Occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Early signs include thirst, dark urine, and fatigue. It reduces physical and cognitive performance, increasing the risk of other accidents.

Consequence: Impairs decision-making and physical capacity, leading to errors and injuries. Can lead to heat exhaustion.

Increased Risk of Accidents

medium

Heat stress can reduce concentration, coordination, and reaction times. Sweaty palms can lead to a poor grip on tools, and dizziness can cause falls.

Consequence: Higher likelihood of accidents such as falls, tool slips, or errors in judgment leading to injury.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Reschedule Work to Cooler Times

Administrative

Modify work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Implementation

1. Schedule physically demanding tasks for the early morning or late afternoon. 2. Where possible, avoid outdoor work between 11 am and 3 pm on hot days. 3. Plan for more frequent and longer breaks during periods of high heat.

Provide Cool Water and Encourage Hydration

Administrative

Ensure workers are well-hydrated to allow the body to cool itself through sweating.

Implementation

1. Provide an unlimited supply of cool, clean drinking water close to the work area. 2. Encourage workers to drink small amounts of water frequently (e.g., 250ml every 20 minutes) rather than large amounts infrequently. 3. Provide electrolyte drinks or powders for jobs involving prolonged, heavy sweating. 4. Discourage consumption of caffeine and sugary drinks, which can increase dehydration.

Provide Shaded Rest Areas

Engineering

Create cool, shaded environments for workers to rest and recover.

Implementation

1. Erect temporary shade structures (e.g., gazebos) over outdoor work areas where possible. 2. Designate an air-conditioned room or vehicle as a cooling-off area. 3. Ensure rest areas are located close to the work site to encourage frequent use.

Worker Training and Buddy System

Administrative

Educate workers on the risks and implement a peer-monitoring system.

Implementation

1. Provide annual training on the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness in themselves and others. 2. Train workers on first aid for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 3. Implement a buddy system where workers are responsible for monitoring their partner for signs of illness. 4. Encourage a culture where workers feel comfortable reporting symptoms without fear of reprisal.

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Personal protective equipment

Lightweight, Breathable Clothing

Requirement: Loose-fitting, light-coloured fabrics like cotton

When: At all times when working in hot conditions to allow for air circulation and sweat evaporation.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

Requirement: Provides shade for the face, neck, and ears

When: Mandatory for all outdoor work to reduce direct solar radiation on the head and neck.

UV-Rated Safety Sunglasses

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337.1

When: For all outdoor work to protect eyes from sun glare and UV radiation.

Cooling Vests or Aids

Requirement: N/A

When: For workers performing strenuous tasks in extreme heat where other controls are insufficient. These can be evaporative or phase-change vests.

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

✓Check the weather forecast for the day, paying attention to predicted temperature, humidity, and UV index.
✓Ensure there is an adequate supply of cool drinking water for all workers for the entire shift.
✓Verify that designated shaded rest areas are clean and accessible.
✓Brief all workers on the day's heat risk and remind them of control measures and symptoms.

During work

✓Monitor workers for any signs of heat-related illness (e.g., fatigue, dizziness, confusion).
✓Ensure work-rest schedules are being followed.
✓Check that water coolers are being refilled and are easily accessible.
✓Use a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitor if available to get an accurate measure of the heat stress risk.

After work

✓Debrief with the team about how the heat management plan worked.
✓Check for any reports of heat-related symptoms, even mild ones.
✓Clean and restock all hydration stations and first aid kits.
✓Plan for the next day's work based on the forecast and lessons learned.

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready

Assess the Risk

Before the shift starts, the supervisor must assess the risk of heat stress. This involves checking the weather forecast (temperature and humidity) and considering the nature of the work (physical exertion level, location, duration). Use a heat stress calculator or chart if available.

Safety considerations

Do not underestimate the risk, especially on days with high humidity, as this prevents sweat from evaporating, which is the body's primary cooling mechanism.

Implement Work Scheduling Controls

Based on the risk assessment, implement scheduling controls. This is the most effective measure. Reschedule heavy work to cooler parts of the day. For very hot days, this may mean starting work earlier and finishing earlier. Mandate regular work-rest cycles.

Safety considerations

Ensure that rest breaks are taken in a cool, shaded area to allow core body temperature to decrease.

Ensure Hydration

Confirm that cool drinking water is available and easily accessible to all workers. Actively encourage workers to drink water every 20 minutes, even if they do not feel thirsty. Thirst is an unreliable indicator of dehydration.

Safety considerations

Avoid relying on sugary drinks or excessive caffeine, as these can contribute to dehydration.

Monitor the Workforce

Supervisors and co-workers must actively monitor each other for the signs and symptoms of heat stress. These include fatigue, irritability, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Encourage a culture where it is okay to report feeling unwell.

Safety considerations

A worker suffering from heat stress may not recognise their own symptoms due to confusion. A buddy system is critical.

Emergency Response

If a worker shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place, lay them down, and give them cool water to drink. If heat stroke is suspected (confusion, loss of consciousness, no sweating), call 000 immediately. While waiting for help, cool the person down rapidly using any means available (e.g., soaking with water, fanning).

Safety considerations

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Do not delay in calling for an ambulance. Rapid cooling is the most critical first aid step.

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Frequently asked questions

How much water should I drink when working in the heat?

A general guideline is to drink approximately 250ml of water every 20 minutes. It is more effective to drink small amounts frequently than large amounts infrequently. Your urine colour is a good guide; it should be light-coloured. Dark urine is a sign of dehydration.

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to losing too much water and salt, characterised by heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Heat stroke is a more serious condition where the body's temperature control system fails completely. A key sign of heat stroke is hot, dry skin (the person stops sweating) and confusion or loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Can I get heat stress when working indoors?

Yes. Heat stress can occur in any environment where heat and/or humidity are high and there is poor air circulation. This includes commercial kitchens, laundries, foundries, and boiler rooms. The same principles of hydration, ventilation, and work-rest cycles apply.

What is acclimatisation?

Acclimatisation is the process of the body gradually adapting to working in hot conditions. It typically takes 7 to 14 days. It is important for new workers or those returning from a long break to start with shorter shifts and less strenuous work, gradually increasing their exposure to the heat.

Overview of Heat Stress Hazards

Heat stress occurs when the body's cooling mechanisms are unable to cope with the heat generated from a combination of metabolic activity (physical work) and environmental conditions. This is a common hazard for workers in construction, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Factors contributing to heat stress include high air temperatures, humidity, radiant heat from the sun or machinery, and strenuous physical labour. If not managed, it can progress from mild conditions like heat rash to life-threatening heat stroke.

Why a SWMS for Heat Stress is Essential

A SWMS for heat stress is essential because heat-related illness is preventable, yet it remains a significant cause of injury and death in Australian workplaces. The effects can be sudden and severe. A worker suffering from heat stroke can lose consciousness and suffer permanent organ damage or death if not cooled rapidly. This SWMS formalises a PCBU's duty of care by establishing a clear heat management plan. It mandates proactive controls, such as modifying work schedules, ensuring adequate hydration, and training workers to recognise early symptoms in themselves and their colleagues. It provides a documented, systematic approach to safety that is legally required and essential for protecting the workforce during Australia's hot summer months.

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