Managing Heat Stress: Protecting Workers This Summer

October 14, 2025

As Queensland heads into another summer, the message is clear: working in extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous.

Heat exposure continues to be one of the most underestimated workplace risks in the oil and gas, mining, and construction industries, and every year, preventable incidents occur. Whether you’re on a rig, in a workshop, or operating machinery outdoors, managing heat is critical for worker safety and wellbeing.

Understanding the Risk

When the body is exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, it struggles to cool itself. Once that balance is lost, heat stress sets in. It doesn’t take long for mild symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea or dizziness to turn into something much more serious.

If left untreated, heat stress can quickly progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency that can lead to confusion, collapse, or even death.

Factors such as air movement, clothing, workload, fitness, hydration, and even medication can all influence how a worker responds to heat. This isn’t about toughness – it’s about physiology.

“Heat doesn’t care how tough you are. Once your body overheats, there’s no pushing through it.”

That’s a mindset shift our industry must continue to embrace. Prevention is the only safe option.

Hydration and Healthy Work Habits

Hydration is the first and most effective control measure, but it’s not just about drinking water when you feel thirsty.

Workers should sip small amounts of cool water every 15–20 minutes, not gulp large amounts occasionally. Drinks high in caffeine or sugar like coffee, cola, and energy drinks can dehydrate you faster. Including ice in your water and maintaining a balanced diet before and during shifts also helps stabilise electrolytes and core body temperature.

A quick personal check is simple: if your urine is dark yellow, you’re dehydrated. Aim for pale yellow.

For anyone returning to work after time off, or coming from cooler climates, take time to acclimatise. Your body needs to gradually adjust to the heat, especially on physically demanding sites.

Planning and Prevention on Site

Every workplace should have a Heat Management Plan that is actively implemented:

Schedule heavy work during cooler parts of the day
Rotate crews through shaded or air-conditioned rest areas
Provide easy access to cool, potable water
Ensure PPE is light, breathable, and task-appropriate
Encourage workers to recognise early heat stress symptoms in themselves and colleagues

AWCC training emphasises planning shift rotations and adjusting workloads during extreme temperatures. Leadership is key to fostering a culture where speaking up about heat is expected and supported.

Responding Quickly to Heat Emergencies

If someone starts showing signs of heat stress, act immediately, don’t wait.
Move them to shade or an air-conditioned area, loosen PPE, apply cool wet towels, and provide water if they’re alert enough to drink. Always call for first aid support, heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Every site should have a portable heat emergency kit, including an esky with ice, bottled water, damp towels, and instant cold packs. These small steps can make all the difference while waiting for emergency response teams.

“Those first few minutes matter. Cooling a person quickly can be the difference between recovery and tragedy.”

Legal Obligations for Heat Safety in Queensland

Queensland safety laws require site managers and employers to ensure workers are not exposed to unsafe heat risks. Key references include:

Guidance Note QGN32 – Managing Exposure to Heat
Petroleum and Gas (Safety) Regulation 2018
WorkSafe Queensland – Managing the Risk of Working in Heat

Following these guidelines ensures compliance and protects workers’ health and safety.

The Takeaway: Look After Each Other

Heat stress isn’t a test of endurance — it’s a test of awareness.
It’s not just about finishing the job; it’s about getting everyone home safely.

Every bottle of water, every shaded break, every “you okay, mate?” makes a difference.

As we move into the hotter months, let’s plan ahead, stay hydrated, and support each other on-site.
Because at AWCC, we know that safety isn’t just a policy — it’s personal.

Further Information

RSHQ Safety Alert 461 – Effective Management of Heat Risks for Workers (October 2025)

Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Working in Heat

WorkSafe Queensland – Heat Stress Calculator

AIOH – Managing Heat Stress in the Australian Environment

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