O8B.3 Heat and injury in the workplace: perspectives from health and safety representatives

Abstract

Introduction Hot weather poses occupational health and safety concerns for outdoor workers or those in non-cooled indoor environments. The risk of occupational injuries increases during hot weather, however limited understanding exists on underlying factors associated with this increase in risk. While recommendations and guidelines for preventing heat-related health impacts include hydration, cooling practices, adequate ventilation and rescheduling work, the extent to which these recommendations are adopted in workplaces is currently unknown. Methods A national online survey was conducted among health and safety representatives (HSRs) to better understand the nature of heat-related injuries. Responses relating to risk factors and preventive measures associated with reported injuries in workplaces were identified using log-poisson regression models. Results In total, 222 HSRs completed the survey. Overall, more than a third (43%) of HSRs reported that injuries or incidents caused by hot/very humid weather occur sometimes/often in their workplace. Factors found to be positively associated with reported injuries included 'the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE)', 'inadequate resources and facilities' and 'new workers'. For outdoor workers, the most frequently adopted preventive measures were provision of PPE, sunscreen and access to cool drinking water. HSRs reported more injuries if certain preventive measures (rescheduling work to cooler times and shaded rest/work areas) were adopted never/rarely/sometimes compared to often/always. Access to cool drinking water and provision of PPE were the most frequently adopted preventive measures for indoor workers. For this group, HSRs reported more injuries if certain preventive measures (self-pacing, shielding of heat sources and adequate ventilation) were adopted never/rarely/sometimes. Conclusion Findings indicate that organisational issues, workplace hazards, personal factors and preventive measures, are all determinants of heat-related injuries in Australian workplaces. Wider adoption of prevention measures such as work rescheduling, self-pacing, provision of shade and adequate ventilation could reduce incidence of heat-related injuries in outdoor and indoor workplaces.