AWU Safety Matters Update

Beat the Heat and Say No to Unsafe Work

With the hot weather returning to Queensland, keeping safe at work is essential.

Working in excessive heat puts your health at risk and can lead to serious illnesses and sometimes even death.

Importantly, you have the right to stop work if you feel symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

We’ve also attached a safety matters flyer – make sure you share it around your workplace.

If you have any concerns or issues about working in the heat – talk to your AWU Delegate or Organiser immediately.

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:

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.