Queensland’s climate is one of the best in Australia, but when summer hits, the heat can turn your construction site into a serious safety concern. As a Site Manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure your team stays safe and protected from the harsh elements. With the right precautions, you can keep everyone on-site healthy and productive through the hottest months of the year.
Here are some essential summer safety tips to help you manage your crew through Queensland’s summer heat.
1. Keep Your Crew Hydrated: Provide Water on Site
Working in the summer heat can lead to rapid dehydration, which poses serious risks to your team. Queensland Health recommends that men drink 2.6 litres of water daily and women 2.1 litres under normal conditions. But in the intense Queensland summer, your crew needs more—at least 4 litres per day when working outdoors.
Here’s what you can do:
- Ensure your team brings enough water for the day.
- Offer cool water on-site to make hydration easy and accessible.
- Discourage sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they increase dehydration risks.
Encourage regular water breaks and make hydration a priority throughout the day.
2. Plan Your Day Around the Heat: Adjust Work Hours
If possible, schedule outdoor or labour-intensive tasks for the cooler early hours of the day. This will help reduce the risk of heat stress and keep your crew more comfortable. For less physically demanding tasks, leave them for the afternoon heat.
Of course, depending on the nature of the work and the site’s restrictions, you may not always be able to adjust schedules. But when the opportunity arises, planning around peak heat hours can make a big difference.
3. Recognise Heat-Related Illnesses: Know the Signs
Heat stress and heatstroke are serious risks during summer work. Your team needs to be aware of the signs so they can take action early.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Excessive sweating or no sweat at all
- Nausea and dizziness
- Rapid pulse and confusion
Ensure your crew knows what to do if someone shows signs of heat illness. Set up a response plan so you can act quickly and effectively.
Regular shade breaks are crucial. If your site doesn’t have natural shade, provide UPF-rated gazebos or shade structures to give your workers a place to cool down.
4. Sun Protection: Equip Your Team for Safety
The Queensland sun can be brutal, and prolonged exposure puts your team at risk for serious burns and long-term damage. Make sure your crew is equipped with the right sun protection.
Here’s what you need to provide:
- Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher. Make sure it’s non-greasy and reapply every couple of hours.
- Protective Eyewear: Safety glasses or wrap-around sunglasses that meet Australian standards (AS/NZS 1067 or AS/NZS 1337.1:2010).
- Head Protection: A wide-brimmed hat or helmet with a brim attachment to shield the face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight.
Store sunscreen in a cool place to prevent it from losing effectiveness and check the expiry date regularly.
5. Ensure Appropriate Workwear: Dress for the Heat
Your team’s comfort and safety are influenced by the gear they wear. Australian workwear brands like Bisley and KingGee offer summer-specific lines designed with lightweight, breathable, and UPF-rated fabrics that can handle the heat.
Make sure your team is dressed appropriately for the conditions with:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing that keeps them cool.
- Ventilated fabrics to increase airflow and reduce heat buildup.
The right workwear not only protects from the sun but also enhances comfort, which can help your crew stay focused and productive.
6. Foster a Culture of Care: Look After Your Team
Safety is about more than just protocols; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone looks out for each other. As a Site Manager, lead by example and encourage your crew to:
- Check in on their mates to ensure they’re staying hydrated and taking shade breaks.
- Apply sunblock throughout the day.
Promote team accountability by making sure everyone on-site knows they’re responsible for their own safety and the safety of those around them.
Additionally, incorporate summer safety measures into your onboarding process. This ensures that new workers are familiar with these essential practices from day one.
Summary
While it can be tempting to push through the work during Queensland’s summer, prioritising safety should always come first. Use these tips to help manage your crew through the heat, ensuring that everyone stays safe, healthy, and productive.
At YourTrades, we’re here to support you! If you need more information regarding site safety or construction recruitment. Contact us today to find the best to work with you on-site.
