Beat the Heat - The Australian Workers' Union : The Australian Workers' Union

AWU Workplace Health & Safety Alert

December 2019

Working in excessive heat can lead to serious illnesses and sometimes even death.

You have the right to STOP WORK if you feel symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as:

Nausea or vomiting
Headache/dizziness/fatigue
Hot/dry skin
Muscle cramps
Loss of consciousness

Don’t work outside of your body’s capabilities and say no to unsafe work.

Your employer has a legal duty of care to protect you from heat stroke and heat exhaustion by providing:

Constant supplies of cool drinking water
Breaks to rest and cool off in the shade or airconditioned area
Loose fitting clothing and for outdoor workers – wide brim hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Time to adjust to working in the heat by gradually increasing workload and heat exposure
Training and education for recognising symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stress and seeking medical help quickly

Contact your AWU Organiser for advice and assistance on 1300 362 298 if your work involves exposure to heat.

-Victoria
March 24, 2022
West Gate TBM kicks off after two-year delay

The AWU has been part of the project since it was first launched, and helped members navigate a million-dollar underpayments case, soil contamination, three years of negotiations, and legal battles, before the TBM began operating a week after Australia Day.
-Victoria
October 3, 2023
Artistry and Solidarity: Danny Humphrey’s Inspiring Journey as an AWU Member and Artist

A recent report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirming there will now be a stable gas supply for Australian homes next year – alongside a surge in gas exports – is a powerful vindication of the AWU’s advocacy on gas policy reform.
-Victoria
June 28, 2022
Don’t Risk Safety

CAMEC, a manufacturing facility in Dandenong South, caught fire this morning, stopping work on the manufacturing floor of the factory. Workers were sent to the neighbouring onsite warehouse to await further instruction.

Loading cart ⌛️ ...