Workers’ health and safety in the heat: current practice in Australian workplaces

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dc.contributor.authorWilliams, S.
dc.contributor.authorVarghese, B.M.
dc.contributor.authorHansen, A.L.
dc.contributor.authorHanson-Easey, S.A.
dc.contributor.authorBi, P.
dc.contributor.authorPisaniello, D.L.
dc.date.issued2020
dc.description.abstractWorking in high temperatures without adequate precautions can have serious health and safety consequences, but effective policies and practices can minimize the hazards. The risks are multifactorial and related to the work, workplace, and individual worker. To better understand current practices in Australian workplaces, we surveyed workers (n ¼ 387) about their experiences in hot conditions and suggestions to minimize risks of illness or injury. These were compared to suggestions from work health and safety representatives (n ¼ 81) and professionals (n ¼ 147). We used open-ended survey questions and analyzed responses using a qualitative content analysis. Many workers reported adverse health experiences from the heat, ranging from mild to severe. Common suggestions to protect health and safety during hot weather were: improved basic protections (including shade, rest breaks), heat-appropriate personal protective equipment, better work planning, and greater management awareness and support. A broader understanding of workers’ and stakeholders’ perspectives could lead to better hot weather policies for Australian workplaces.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilitySusan Williams, Blesson M. Varghese, Alana L. Hansen, Scott A. Hanson-Easey, Peng Bi and Dino L. Pisaniello
dc.identifier.citationPolicy and Practice in Health and Safety, 2020; 18(2):67-79
dc.identifier.doi10.1080/14773996.2020.1765610
dc.identifier.issn1477-3996
dc.identifier.issn1477-4003
dc.identifier.orcidWilliams, S. [0000-0001-7721-4152]
dc.identifier.orcidVarghese, B.M. [0000-0003-2974-7282]
dc.identifier.orcidHansen, A.L. [0000-0003-0195-3770]
dc.identifier.orcidHanson-Easey, S.A. [0000-0002-5767-0545]
dc.identifier.orcidBi, P. [0000-0002-3238-3427]
dc.identifier.orcidPisaniello, D.L. [0000-0002-4156-0608]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/139956
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/160103059
dc.rights© 2020 Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1080/14773996.2020.1765610
dc.subjectHeat; occupational health; injury; prevention; worker safety
dc.titleWorkers’ health and safety in the heat: current practice in Australian workplaces
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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