WORKING IN HOT CONDITIONS 24 January 2005

WORKING IN HOT CONDITIONS

The summer months are with us again along with the usual long periods of heatwaves.

At this time of the year, the union receives many calls asking what rights workers have to refuse to work in extreme conditions or when air conditioning breaks down.

It is important to note that excessive heat can cause serious health effects – heat exhaustion, dehydration, cramps, heat stroke. In some instances heat stroke can be life threatening.

Obviously, we are all different and the risk varies from individual to individual.

Workers who are overweight, suffer heart disease, consume high levels of alcohol or need to take medications that have dehydrating effects (e.g. diuretics) face a greater risk.

Despite the fact that there is no code in SA to address this serious problem, workers do have some protection.

There are 3 documents that can assist you if you find your workplace becoming intolerably hot.

1. OHS&Welfare Act 1986

Section 19 of SA's OHS&W Act (1986) requires employers to provide their employeees with safe and healthy systems. You, or your work group's Health & Safety Representative, can argue that if the heat is causing health problems that action has to be taken to cool your work environment or to transfer you to a satsifactory location.

2. Management of Working in the Heat - Public Sector Management Act Determination No. 30

Public Sector employees are further protected by Determination 30 of the PSM Act.

While this document does not indicate a safe temperature range for different types of work, it does suggest strategies that employers need to employ to prevent workers from being adversely affected by heat.

Section 7.7 of the determination also allows for employees to be paid for work time lost due to heat stress conditions if the employee cannot achieve a safe work environment.

3. Heat Stress – Workplace Services (DAIS) Safeguards Pamphlet GS29

This is only a brief pamphlet, but it is useful in spelling out the health problems associated with working in heat and some of the strategies outlined in PSM Act Determination 30.

It gives some indication that the SA OH&S Inspectorate takes the issue seriously. Like Determination 30, it fails to indicate a safe temperature range for work.

Acceptable Temperatures

The ILO Encyclopaedia of OH&S recommends that the comfort zone for light work is:

Summer: 18-26 degrees Celsius

Winter: 16-24 degrees Celsius (both for a Relative Humidity range of 30-75 per cent)

If these temperature ranges cannot be achieved, it could be helpful to use the ACTU Interim Guidelines for Working in Seasonal Heat 1998-99 to negotiate adequate breaks for employees who are required to work in higher temperatures. (copies are available from the PSA)

Ultraviolet-B Radiation

This article has dealt with the question of heat. Sunlight also brings with it the health problems associated with UVB radiation. All outdoor workers or those who need to be outside for any period of time should also be heeding the Anti-Cancer Foundation's Slip Slop and Slap message.

In this weather, we all need to be wearing wide brimmed hats, sun block preparations of at least SPF (Skin Protection Factor) of 30+ and sunglasses with UV filters (a minimum Eye Protection Factor – EDF – of 10).

You can seek further assistance on this and other OHS&W issues from PSA's OH&S Industrial Officer, Andy Alcock.

If you have any problems getting OHS&W problems resolved, you can also seek the help of an OH&S Inspector from DAIS Workplace Services section. If you decide to go down this path, you should consult your work group's Health & Safety Rep or the PSA first.

For enquiries contact PSA OH&S Industrial Officer, Andy Alcock

Phone: 8205 3259 or Email: aa@cpsu.asn.au

24 January 2005

PSA WORKING FOR YOU