Comprehensive SWMS for Managing Extreme Heat Exposure in Roofing Work

Heat Stress Safe Work Method Statement

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Heat stress management in roofing work addresses one of the most serious and frequently encountered hazards facing construction workers in Australia's climate. Roofing surfaces can reach temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Celsius during summer months, creating extreme radiant heat exposure that combines with direct sun exposure, physical exertion, and protective equipment requirements to rapidly elevate core body temperatures to dangerous levels. This SWMS provides comprehensive controls for preventing heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and heat stroke through work scheduling, hydration protocols, rest cycles, and emergency response procedures compliant with Australian WHS legislation and Safe Work Australia guidance.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Heat stress represents a critical occupational health hazard in Australian roofing work, where workers face combined exposure to extreme surface temperatures, direct solar radiation, strenuous physical activity, and the thermal burden of mandatory personal protective equipment. During summer months across most of Australia, roof surface temperatures commonly exceed 50-60 degrees Celsius on dark-coloured metal roofing and up to 70 degrees on tar-based flat roofing surfaces. This extreme radiant heat combines with ambient air temperatures often reaching 35-45 degrees Celsius to create working conditions that rapidly overwhelm the body's natural cooling mechanisms. The physiological impact of heat stress occurs when the body's core temperature rises above the normal 37 degrees Celsius as heat absorption exceeds the body's ability to dissipate heat through sweating, respiration, and radiation. Roofers performing physically demanding tasks including lifting roofing materials, operating power tools, positioning sheeting or tiles, and working in bent or squatting positions generate significant metabolic heat that adds to environmental heat load. The protective equipment required for roofing work including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, gloves, safety boots, and hard hats creates insulation that traps body heat and prevents evaporative cooling from sweat, accelerating core temperature rise. Heat-related illnesses progress through distinct stages with increasing severity. Heat exhaustion develops first, presenting symptoms including profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid pulse, and pale clammy skin. Workers experiencing heat exhaustion may continue working whilst experiencing these symptoms, attributing them to general fatigue rather than recognising the serious medical condition developing. Without intervention through rest in cool environments and rehydration, heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke within minutes. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency where the body's temperature regulation fails completely, causing core temperatures to exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Symptoms include cessation of sweating, hot dry skin, confusion, aggressive behaviour, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke causes organ damage and death if not immediately treated with rapid cooling and emergency medical intervention. Dehydration accompanies and exacerbates heat stress, as workers lose significant fluid volume through sweating in attempts to cool their bodies. Roofers can lose over two litres of fluid per hour through sweating during strenuous work in extreme heat, leading to rapid dehydration if fluid replacement is inadequate. Dehydration reduces blood volume, impairs cardiovascular function, reduces sweating capacity, and accelerates the progression from heat exhaustion to heat stroke. Additionally, dehydration impairs cognitive function and physical coordination, increasing the risk of other workplace incidents including falls from heights, tool operation errors, and poor safety decisions. Certain factors increase individual susceptibility to heat stress. Workers who are not acclimatised to extreme heat, typically those beginning roofing work at the start of summer or returning from leave, have reduced heat tolerance and develop symptoms at lower heat exposures. Older workers, those with cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or obesity, and workers taking certain medications including some blood pressure medications and antihistamines have impaired heat regulation mechanisms. Workers who are already dehydrated from alcohol consumption the previous evening or who have not consumed adequate fluids before commencing work begin their shift with depleted heat tolerance. Previous heat illness episodes increase susceptibility to subsequent events. Environmental conditions beyond temperature influence heat stress risk. High humidity reduces evaporative cooling from sweating as humid air cannot absorb moisture effectively, meaning workers in humid coastal regions or during humid weather patterns experience greater heat stress at the same temperature compared to dry inland conditions. Lack of air movement on enclosed roof areas or between buildings eliminates convective cooling that helps dissipate body heat. Working on western-facing roofs during afternoon periods when solar radiation is most intense maximises heat exposure. Extended heat waves where night-time temperatures remain elevated prevent overnight recovery and cumulative heat stress builds across consecutive hot days. Roofing work planning must account for these heat stress factors by implementing controls following the hierarchy of control, prioritising elimination and engineering controls where reasonably practicable. Understanding the mechanisms of heat stress, recognising early warning symptoms, and implementing comprehensive controls including work scheduling, mandatory rest periods, hydration protocols, and emergency response procedures are essential elements of protecting roofing workers from this prevalent and serious hazard in Australian construction work.

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Why this SWMS matters

Heat stroke is a preventable cause of workplace death, yet construction workers continue to die from heat-related illnesses in Australia due to inadequate heat stress management. Safe Work Australia data documents multiple fatalities and serious injuries from heat stress in roofing and construction work, with most incidents occurring during periods of extreme heat when workers continued working without adequate rest, hydration, or cooling breaks. The tragedy of heat stress deaths is compounded by their preventability—implementation of proper controls following established guidance would prevent virtually all heat-related fatalities and serious illnesses in roofing work. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, persons conducting a business or undertaking have explicit duties to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable. For heat stress hazards in roofing work, this requires assessment of environmental conditions, implementation of controls appropriate to the level of risk, training workers to recognise heat stress symptoms, providing adequate rest facilities and drinking water, and establishing procedures for suspending work when conditions create unacceptable risk. The hierarchy of control must be applied, prioritising elimination through work scheduling to avoid extreme heat periods, and engineering controls including shaded rest areas and cooling facilities, before relying on administrative controls such as work-rest cycles and personal factors including worker acclimatisation and hydration. Regulatory enforcement of heat stress controls has intensified following workplace fatalities, with WorkSafe authorities across Australian jurisdictions issuing improvement notices and prohibition notices for inadequate heat stress management. Prosecutions following heat-related incidents have resulted in substantial fines, with companies fined over $250,000 and individuals fined over $50,000 for failures to implement adequate heat stress controls. Beyond financial penalties, heat stress incidents result in prohibition notices halting all work until adequate controls are implemented, creating project delays and reputational damage that impacts future tender opportunities. The consequences of heat stroke for workers who survive extend beyond the immediate medical emergency. Heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage including kidney failure, liver damage, and neurological impairment affecting coordination, memory, and cognitive function. Workers who have experienced heat stroke have increased susceptibility to future heat illness and may have permanently reduced heat tolerance preventing them from continuing outdoor work in hot conditions, ending their roofing careers. The psychological trauma of experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency and witnessing colleagues suffering heat illness creates ongoing workplace stress and anxiety. Proper SWMS implementation for heat stress management demonstrates due diligence under WHS legislation and provides documented evidence that all reasonably practicable steps were taken to protect workers from heat hazards. This documentation becomes critical in incident investigations, workers compensation claims, and potential prosecutions. A comprehensive heat stress SWMS must include procedures for monitoring environmental conditions using wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) measurements or Bureau of Meteorology temperature forecasts, establishing trigger points for implementing additional controls or suspending work, mandating rest-work cycles appropriate to heat conditions, ensuring adequate cool drinking water availability, providing shaded rest facilities, training workers and supervisors to recognise heat stress symptoms, and establishing emergency response procedures for heat illness incidents. The training requirements for heat stress management include ensuring all workers understand heat illness symptoms, know to report symptoms immediately, and understand that continuing to work when experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms is dangerous and unacceptable. Supervisors must be trained to monitor workers for heat stress signs, to enforce mandatory rest and hydration breaks even when workers resist, to make decisions to suspend work when conditions warrant, and to implement emergency first aid for heat illness. Creating a workplace culture where workers feel empowered to report symptoms without fear of being seen as weak or losing work opportunities is essential, as many heat stress incidents involve workers concealing symptoms until collapse occurs. Work scheduling represents the most effective control measure for roofing heat stress, by eliminating exposure to the most extreme heat conditions. Commencing roofing work at first light, typically 5:00-6:00 AM during summer, allows several hours of productive work before peak heat conditions develop. Suspending work when Bureau of Meteorology forecasts predict temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, or when WBGT measurements exceed 32 degrees Celsius, prevents exposure to conditions where heat stress is virtually inevitable regardless of other controls. Scheduling heat-intensive tasks including manual handling of roofing materials during cooler morning hours, whilst reserving less strenuous tasks such as equipment setup and site organisation for periods when they can be performed in shaded areas, optimises work output whilst minimising heat exposure. Hydration protocols must go beyond general reminders to drink water, instead establishing specific requirements for fluid consumption rates, water availability, and monitoring of hydration status. Roofing workers should consume a minimum of 250ml of cool water every 15-20 minutes during work in hot conditions, with consumption commencing before heat stress symptoms develop. Water must be readily accessible on roofs, not requiring workers to descend to ground level for each drink as this creates a barrier discouraging adequate consumption. Cool water is more palatable and effective than warm water that has been sitting in the sun. Electrolyte replacement drinks may be beneficial during extremely prolonged heat exposure where excessive sweating has depleted salts, though plain water is adequate for most roofing work situations. Rest facilities must provide genuine cooling and recovery opportunities, not merely shade. A shaded area that remains at ambient temperature of 40 degrees Celsius provides minimal cooling benefit. Effective rest facilities include air-conditioned site sheds or vehicles, proximity to facilities where workers can wet clothing and use fans for evaporative cooling, or at minimum, well-ventilated shade structures with fan cooling. Rest periods must be of adequate duration for core body temperature to drop, typically requiring 15-20 minute breaks after each hour of work in extreme heat, with break frequency and duration increasing as heat exposure intensifies. Emergency response procedures for heat illness must ensure immediate recognition of heat stroke symptoms, rapid activation of emergency medical services through triple zero calls, immediate cooling of the casualty using any available method including wet clothing, fanning, ice packs if available, or water immersion, and evacuation planning that accounts for potential delays in ambulance access to roofing work sites. All site personnel must understand that heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring ambulance response, not a condition that can be managed by rest and water alone. Delayed recognition and treatment of heat stroke is the primary factor determining survival and long-term outcomes.

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Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Heat Stroke from Extreme Roof Surface Temperatures

High

Heat stroke occurs when prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures overwhelms the body's cooling mechanisms, causing core body temperature to exceed 40 degrees Celsius and triggering life-threatening organ failure. Roofing work creates the perfect conditions for rapid heat stroke development through combination of radiant heat from roof surfaces at 60+ degrees Celsius, direct solar radiation, strenuous physical activity generating metabolic heat, and PPE that prevents evaporative cooling. Heat stroke develops rapidly, often within 30-60 minutes of heat exhaustion symptoms first appearing. The condition presents as sudden cessation of sweating, hot dry flushed skin, severe headache, confusion, aggressive or irrational behaviour, loss of coordination, seizures, and collapse into unconsciousness. Heat stroke causes damage to brain, kidneys, liver, and heart, with mortality rates of 10-50% even with immediate medical treatment. Surviving victims often suffer permanent neurological damage. The hazard is greatest during heat waves, on unshaded roofs during afternoon periods, for workers who are not heat-acclimatised, and when work pressure discourages taking adequate rest breaks. Older workers and those with cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Consequence: Death from multi-organ failure, permanent brain damage, kidney failure requiring dialysis, liver damage, reduced heat tolerance preventing future outdoor work, and severe workers compensation claims exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Heat Exhaustion Causing Collapse and Secondary Fall Injuries

High

Heat exhaustion develops when prolonged heat exposure and fluid loss through sweating deplete the body's ability to maintain normal function, causing symptoms including profuse sweating, extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, rapid weak pulse, and pale clammy skin. Workers experiencing heat exhaustion may continue working whilst symptomatic, either not recognising the severity of their condition or feeling pressure to maintain productivity. The dizziness, weakness, and impaired coordination associated with heat exhaustion create severe fall risk when working on elevated roof surfaces. Loss of consciousness or sudden collapse from heat exhaustion whilst on a roof can result in falls from heights causing traumatic injuries or death. Even if workers do not fall, untreated heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke within a short timeframe. The combination of physical symptoms and cognitive impairment reduces workers' ability to recognise hazards, make safe decisions, and coordinate movements, increasing risk of incidents beyond heat illness itself. Heat exhaustion is particularly dangerous because workers may attempt to continue working through symptoms rather than stopping immediately for rest and cooling.

Consequence: Progression to heat stroke if untreated, falls from heights causing traumatic injuries or death, inability to self-rescue requiring emergency evacuation from roof, and impaired judgment leading to other workplace incidents including tool operation errors.

Severe Dehydration Impairing Physical and Cognitive Function

High

Dehydration occurs when fluid loss through sweating exceeds fluid intake, reducing blood volume and impairing cardiovascular function. Roofers working in extreme heat can lose over two litres of fluid per hour through sweating, leading to rapid dehydration if consumption does not match losses. Symptoms include thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, dark concentrated urine, fatigue, dizziness, and in severe cases, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and confusion. Dehydration reduces the body's ability to cool itself through sweating, accelerating progression to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Additionally, dehydration impairs cognitive function including concentration, decision-making, and reaction time, increasing risk of falls, tool operation errors, and safety incidents. Physical performance declines with dehydration, causing muscle weakness, cramping, and reduced coordination. Workers may commence work already dehydrated from inadequate fluid intake before work or alcohol consumption the previous evening. The elevated working position on roofs creates barriers to adequate hydration if water is not readily accessible, as workers are reluctant to descend repeatedly for drinks.

Consequence: Accelerated heat illness, impaired cognitive function leading to unsafe decisions, reduced physical coordination increasing fall risk, kidney damage from severe dehydration, and emergency medical treatment requirements.

Inadequate Acclimatisation to Extreme Heat Conditions

Medium

Heat acclimatisation is the physiological adaptation to working in hot conditions that develops over 7-14 days of progressive heat exposure. Non-acclimatised workers have significantly reduced heat tolerance and develop heat illness at lower temperatures and shorter exposure durations compared to acclimatised workers. The body's adaptations during acclimatisation include increased sweating capacity, earlier onset of sweating, more dilute sweat conserving electrolytes, increased blood plasma volume, and reduced cardiovascular strain. Workers most at risk of inadequate acclimatisation include those beginning roofing work at the start of summer when temperatures suddenly increase, workers returning from leave or sick leave who have lost their acclimatisation, new workers unfamiliar with working in extreme heat, and workers from cooler climates or indoor work environments. Supervisors may not recognise that non-acclimatised workers require modified work schedules with reduced exposure durations and increased rest periods. The first week of hot weather each summer sees peak heat illness incidents as workers have not yet developed full heat tolerance. Attempting to maintain full productivity immediately when conditions become extremely hot overloads non-acclimatised workers' limited heat tolerance.

Consequence: Heat illness at relatively modest heat exposures, extended recovery periods from heat events, higher incident rates early in hot weather periods, and need for modified work arrangements reducing productivity during acclimatisation period.

Lack of Adequate Cool Rest Facilities and Shade

Medium

Effective recovery from heat exposure requires access to genuinely cool rest areas where core body temperature can decrease during breaks. Inadequate rest facilities that provide shade but remain at ambient temperature of 35-40 degrees Celsius offer minimal cooling benefit as workers remain in hot environments even during breaks. Similarly, rest facilities positioned in full sun, poorly ventilated enclosed spaces, or areas without airflow fail to provide necessary cooling. Workers may have nowhere to escape heat during breaks, forcing them to either continue working or rest in conditions that do not allow adequate cooling. The cumulative effect is progressive heat stress across the work shift as core body temperature ratchets upward with each work cycle without adequate cooling during breaks. Some work sites lack any rest facilities beyond open ground, forcing workers to rest in direct sun. Workers may remain on roofs during breaks rather than descending to ground-level facilities due to the effort required to repeatedly climb access ladders. Without adequate rest facilities, work-rest cycles mandated by heat stress procedures cannot achieve their intended protective effect as workers never experience genuine cooling.

Consequence: Inability to recover from heat exposure during breaks, progressive heat stress accumulation across work shift, heat illness despite nominal compliance with work-rest cycle procedures, and worker reluctance to take breaks in uncomfortable facilities.

Continuing Work During Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Waves

High

Extreme heat events when Bureau of Meteorology issues heat warnings with temperatures exceeding 38-40 degrees Celsius create conditions where heat stress is almost inevitable for roofing work regardless of other controls. During heat waves when temperatures remain elevated for consecutive days, cumulative heat stress builds as workers do not recover overnight, beginning each successive day with reduced heat tolerance. Night-time temperatures during heat waves often remain above 25 degrees Celsius, preventing adequate recovery sleep and maintaining elevated baseline core temperatures. Pressure to maintain project schedules, meet deadlines, or avoid lost productivity may drive decisions to continue roofing work during extreme heat warnings despite recognised high risk. Workers may fear loss of income if work is suspended or feel peer pressure to continue working when others do. Supervisors may lack authority or willingness to make decisions to suspend work during extreme heat, deferring to managers focused on project delivery. Commercial pressures create conflicts between safety requirements and business objectives. Some contractors lack policies establishing clear heat thresholds for work suspension, leaving decisions to individual judgment in circumstances where objective criteria should govern.

Consequence: Very high heat illness risk including deaths during extreme heat events, workers compensation claims and potential prosecutions following heat stress incidents during forecast extreme conditions, and prohibition notices suspending work after incidents demonstrating inadequate heat management.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Work Scheduling to Avoid Peak Heat Exposure Periods

Elimination

Modifying work schedules to avoid the hottest periods of the day eliminates or substantially reduces heat exposure, representing the most effective control measure in the hierarchy of control. This approach involves commencing roofing work during early morning hours when temperatures are lowest, typically starting at 5:00-6:00 AM during summer months, and suspending work during peak afternoon heat typically from 12:00-5:00 PM when both ambient temperature and solar radiation are at their maximum. Early starts allow several hours of productive roofing work before conditions become dangerously hot, whilst afternoon suspension protects workers during the most hazardous period. Additionally, suspending all roofing work on days when Bureau of Meteorology forecasts predict temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius or issues extreme heat warnings eliminates exposure to conditions where heat stress risk remains high even with other controls. This elimination-level control is always reasonably practicable for roofing work and should be the primary heat stress management strategy.

Implementation

1. Establish policy requiring roofing work to commence no later than 6:00 AM during summer months (November-March) or when forecast temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius. 2. Implement mandatory work suspension from 12:00 PM onwards on days when forecast maximum temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius, or from 11:00 AM when forecast exceeds 35 degrees Celsius. 3. Monitor Bureau of Meteorology forecasts daily and make decisions regarding next-day work commencement by 3:00 PM previous day, allowing workers adequate notice of early start requirements. 4. Establish absolute prohibition on roofing work when Bureau of Meteorology issues extreme heat warnings for the area, with authority delegated to supervisors to suspend work without requiring management approval. 5. Communicate work schedule modifications to all workers, clients, and other contractors, managing expectations that roofing work will not proceed during extreme heat regardless of project pressures. 6. During heat waves when consecutive days of extreme temperatures are forecast, consider suspending roofing work entirely until conditions moderate, recognising that cumulative heat stress builds across consecutive days. 7. Schedule heat-intensive tasks including manual handling of roofing materials, sheeting installation, and tile laying during coolest morning hours, reserving less strenuous tasks for later if work continues into warmer periods.

Mandatory Work-Rest Cycles Based on Heat Index Measurements

Administrative

Implementing mandatory work-rest cycles that increase rest duration and frequency as heat conditions intensify provides administrative control by limiting cumulative heat exposure. This approach uses objective measurements of heat conditions through wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) monitoring or ambient temperature readings to determine appropriate work-rest ratios. As conditions become hotter, rest periods become longer and more frequent to allow core body temperature to decrease before workers return to heat exposure. Crucially, these rest cycles must be mandatory and enforced by supervisors, not left to individual worker discretion, as workers often continue working beyond safe limits due to productivity pressure or reluctance to appear weak. Rest periods must occur in genuinely cool environments where recovery is possible, not in ambient heat. This control recognises that some heat exposure is unavoidable during roofing work but limits cumulative exposure to manageable levels.

Implementation

1. Procure wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) meter for objective heat measurement, or use Bureau of Meteorology ambient temperature forecasts as proxy measure for determining work-rest cycles. 2. Establish work-rest cycle schedule: Below 30°C ambient - work continuously with breaks as needed; 30-32°C - 45 minutes work, 15 minutes rest; 32-35°C - 30 minutes work, 20 minutes rest; 35-38°C - 15 minutes work, 15 minutes rest; Above 38°C - suspend all roofing work. 3. Appoint supervisor responsibility for monitoring temperature conditions hourly and enforcing work-rest cycles, with authority to increase rest frequency if workers show heat stress signs. 4. Use timers or alarms to signal work-rest cycle changes, ensuring compliance is systematic rather than relying on workers to track time whilst working. 5. Require all workers to proceed to cool rest facilities when rest cycle commences, prohibiting workers from continuing work through scheduled breaks regardless of their desire to complete tasks. 6. Monitor worker compliance with rest cycles through direct observation, addressing any workers who attempt to skip or shorten rest periods. 7. Document work-rest cycles implemented each day in site diary, providing evidence of heat stress controls for audit and incident investigation purposes.

Comprehensive Hydration Protocol with Monitored Water Consumption

Administrative

Establishing specific hydration requirements that go beyond general encouragement to drink water creates systematic fluid replacement matching losses through sweating. This protocol specifies required water consumption rates, water availability locations, and monitoring to verify adequate intake. The approach recognises that workers often do not drink sufficiently to match sweat losses unless specific consumption targets are established and monitored. Providing cool, palatable drinking water in readily accessible locations eliminates barriers to adequate hydration. Monitoring hydration status through observation of urination frequency and urine colour provides objective verification that workers are adequately hydrated. Pre-shift hydration before heat exposure commences and continued hydration during rest periods maintains fluid balance throughout exposure.

Implementation

1. Establish minimum water consumption requirement of 250ml every 15-20 minutes during work in hot conditions, with consumption commencing before thirst develops rather than waiting until thirst signals dehydration. 2. Provide insulated water containers or coolers positioned on roofs or at immediate access points, ensuring workers do not need to descend to ground level for each drink as this creates barrier to adequate consumption. 3. Supply individual water bottles to each worker at commencement of shift, with markings indicating consumption targets for each hour of work to make consumption goals visible and measurable. 4. Ensure water remains cool through insulation, ice addition, or regular replacement, as cool water is more palatable and consumed in greater volumes than warm water. 5. Train supervisors to monitor hydration by observing urination frequency (should occur at least every 2-3 hours) and urine colour (should be light coloured, not dark concentrated), with dark urine indicating inadequate hydration requiring increased consumption. 6. Require workers to pre-hydrate by consuming 500ml of water 30 minutes before commencing work, ensuring they begin the shift well hydrated rather than playing catch-up. 7. Prohibit alcohol consumption the night before early morning roofing work during hot weather, as alcohol causes dehydration that persists into the next day reducing heat tolerance.

Provision of Actively Cooled Rest Facilities and Ice Vests

Engineering

Engineering controls that actively cool workers during rest periods provide effective heat stress reduction by enabling rapid decrease in core body temperature. This includes provision of air-conditioned site sheds, vehicles, or portable cooling units during rest breaks, creating environments significantly cooler than ambient conditions where genuine recovery occurs. Supplementary cooling measures including evaporative cooling through wetting clothing combined with fan airflow, ice vests worn under clothing to provide cooling against torso, and water immersion facilities for extremity cooling enhance heat dissipation. These engineering solutions address the fundamental problem that rest in shaded areas at ambient temperature of 35+ degrees Celsius provides minimal cooling benefit. Active cooling during breaks allows workers to reduce core temperature between work cycles, preventing cumulative heat stress build-up.

Implementation

1. Establish air-conditioned rest facility on site through site shed with cooling unit, or park air-conditioned vehicles adjacent to work areas for use as cool-down spaces during rest breaks. 2. Provide evaporative cooling stations with water spray and high-velocity fans where workers can wet clothing and stand in airflow for effective evaporative cooling during breaks. 3. Procure cooling vests filled with ice packs or phase-change cooling materials for workers to wear under high-visibility clothing, providing sustained cooling against torso where major blood vessels transfer heat. 4. Supply containers of cold water for workers to immerse hands and forearms during breaks, cooling blood flowing through extremities and reducing core temperature. 5. Position rest facilities in immediate proximity to work areas, minimising travel time and encouraging use by making access convenient rather than requiring extended walks. 6. Maintain cooling equipment in functional condition through regular servicing of air conditioners, replacement of ice packs, and refilling of water stations. 7. Rotate cooling vests to freezer storage during work cycles so fresh frozen vests are available for each rest break, maintaining cooling effectiveness throughout the shift.

Heat Stress Symptom Recognition Training and Buddy System Monitoring

Administrative

Training all workers to recognise early heat stress symptoms in themselves and co-workers creates early intervention opportunities before conditions progress to medical emergencies. This control combines education about heat illness progression, symptoms to watch for, and mandatory reporting requirements with buddy system monitoring where workers actively observe each other for signs of heat stress. The approach recognises that workers experiencing heat stress may have impaired judgment preventing self-recognition of their condition, whilst co-workers can observe behavioural changes, reduced work pace, confusion, or instability. Establishing workplace culture where reporting heat stress symptoms is expected and valued, not seen as weakness, ensures early intervention occurs. Supervisor training on heat stress recognition and authority to remove workers from heat exposure regardless of workers' protests provides oversight beyond peer monitoring.

Implementation

1. Provide comprehensive heat stress training to all roofing workers covering symptoms of heat exhaustion (profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid pulse) and heat stroke (hot dry skin, confusion, aggressive behaviour, collapse). 2. Establish mandatory reporting requirement that workers must immediately inform supervisors if they experience any heat stress symptoms, with clear message that continuing to work whilst symptomatic is unacceptable and dangerous. 3. Implement buddy system pairing workers to actively observe each other throughout shift, watching for signs including reduced work pace, confusion, unsteady movement, or complaints of symptoms. 4. Train supervisors to conduct regular visual checks of workers during hot conditions, looking for excessive fatigue, flushed appearance, apparent confusion, or unsafe behaviours suggesting cognitive impairment from heat stress. 5. Empower and require supervisors to immediately remove any worker showing heat stress symptoms from roof work to cool rest areas, with authority to override worker protests that they are fine to continue. 6. Conduct toolbox talks each morning during hot weather reminding workers of symptoms to watch for and reinforcing expectation that symptoms must be reported immediately. 7. Eliminate any workplace culture elements that discourage symptom reporting such as peer pressure to continue working, concerns about appearing weak, or fear of losing work, through leadership messaging that safety takes priority over productivity.

Heat Acclimatisation Protocol for New and Returning Workers

Administrative

Implementing progressive acclimatisation protocols for workers who are not heat-adapted provides protection during the 7-14 day period required for physiological adaptations to develop. This control recognises that new workers, workers returning from leave, and all workers at the beginning of hot weather periods have reduced heat tolerance requiring modified work exposure. Acclimatisation protocols progressively increase heat exposure duration across successive days whilst monitoring workers closely for heat stress signs. This prevents the common error of exposing non-acclimatised workers to full work loads in extreme heat, which frequently results in heat illness. The controlled progression allows beneficial adaptations including increased sweating capacity and cardiovascular efficiency to develop whilst maintaining safety.

Implementation

1. Identify workers requiring acclimatisation including new employees, workers returning from leave exceeding one week, workers transferring from indoor or cooler climate roles, and all workers during first hot weather week each summer. 2. Implement progressive exposure schedule for non-acclimatised workers: Day 1 - 50% of normal heat exposure duration; Day 2 - 60%; Day 3 - 70%; Day 4 - 80%; Day 5 - 90%; Day 6-7 - 100% with continued close monitoring. 3. Assign non-acclimatised workers to less heat-intensive tasks during acclimatisation period, such as ground-level material preparation, rather than continuous roof work in direct sun. 4. Pair non-acclimatised workers with experienced heat-adapted workers who can monitor them closely and recognise early symptoms. 5. Increase rest frequency and duration for non-acclimatised workers beyond standard work-rest cycles, erring on side of excessive caution during first days of heat exposure. 6. Conduct daily health checks with non-acclimatised workers at end of each shift, asking about symptoms experienced and providing feedback about heat stress signs to watch for next day. 7. Document acclimatisation progress for each worker, tracking successful progression through acclimatisation protocol and any symptoms experienced.

Emergency Response Procedures for Heat Illness Incidents

Administrative

Establishing comprehensive emergency response procedures for heat stroke and severe heat exhaustion ensures immediate appropriate intervention when incidents occur despite preventative controls. This control addresses the reality that heat illness can progress rapidly from early symptoms to medical emergency, requiring pre-planned response protocols that can be executed immediately without delay for decision-making. The procedures include recognition criteria for activating emergency response, immediate first aid cooling measures, emergency services activation, and evacuation planning. Training all site personnel in heat illness first aid ensures competent response is available immediately. Regular drilling of emergency procedures develops automatic responses that can be executed under the stress of actual emergencies.

Implementation

1. Establish clear criteria for activating heat illness emergency response: any worker experiencing heat stroke symptoms (hot dry skin, confusion, aggression, seizure, collapse) triggers immediate triple zero call and emergency cooling. 2. Train all site personnel including workers, supervisors, and managers in heat illness first aid including moving casualty to cool area, removing excess clothing, applying cool water to skin, fanning for evaporative cooling, and recovery position if unconscious. 3. Maintain emergency cooling supplies on site including cool water, spray bottles, fans, ice packs if available, and emergency shade shelter for treating casualties on roof level before evacuation. 4. Develop evacuation plan for moving heat illness casualties from roof level to ground for ambulance access, pre-identifying rescue routes and equipment required such as rescue harness or stretcher. 5. Designate trained first aiders for each work crew with specific responsibility for initiating emergency response if heat illness occurs, ensuring someone is empowered to take charge in emergencies. 6. Program emergency numbers into work phones and radios, ensuring immediate communication capability if incidents occur in areas without mobile coverage. 7. Conduct quarterly emergency drills simulating heat stroke scenario on roof, practicing rapid evacuation, cooling procedures, and emergency services liaison, identifying procedural gaps before real incidents occur.

Download complete control procedures

Personal protective equipment

Lightweight Long-Sleeved Shirts

Requirement: Light-coloured, breathable fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection rating

When: Required during all roofing work to protect against sun exposure whilst minimising heat retention. Light colours reflect solar radiation. Must allow air circulation for evaporative cooling whilst preventing direct sun contact with skin.

Wide-Brimmed Hard Hat with Neck Shade

Requirement: Compliant with AS/NZS 1801 with brim minimum 75mm and neck flap attachment

When: Mandatory for all roofing work to protect head and neck from direct sun exposure whilst meeting hard hat requirements. Wide brim provides face and neck shading reducing radiant heat absorption.

Cooling Towels or Neck Wraps

Requirement: Evaporative cooling fabric that remains cool when wet

When: Recommended during extreme heat conditions to provide supplementary cooling around neck where major blood vessels transfer heat. Can be wetted during rest breaks for sustained cooling effect.

Light-Coloured Lightweight Trousers

Requirement: Breathable cotton or technical fabric in light colours with loose fit

When: Required to protect legs from sun exposure and surface heat whilst allowing air circulation. Dark colours absorb heat and should be avoided. Must allow full range of movement without restriction.

Ventilated Safety Boots

Requirement: Steel toe cap boots compliant with AS/NZS 2210.3 with breathable upper materials

When: Required for foot protection whilst minimising heat retention in footwear. Where permitted by site requirements, consider breathable mesh panels to improve ventilation while maintaining safety protection.

Sun Protection - Sunscreen and Lip Balm

Requirement: SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen, water-resistant formulation

When: Required on all exposed skin during outdoor roofing work to prevent sunburn which impairs body's ability to regulate temperature. Must be reapplied every 2 hours and after sweating or water exposure.

Polarised Safety Glasses

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337 compliant with UV protection and polarised lenses

When: Mandatory for eye protection during roofing work, with polarisation reducing glare from reflective roof surfaces that increases eye strain and fatigue in bright conditions.

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Check Bureau of Meteorology forecast for maximum temperature prediction and heat warnings, making go/no-go decision for roofing work based on forecast conditions
  • ✓Verify air-conditioned rest facilities are operational with functioning cooling, and confirm backup cooling methods available if primary systems fail
  • ✓Confirm adequate supply of cool drinking water in insulated containers positioned at roof access points and on roof level if safe to do so
  • ✓Check cooling equipment functionality including ice vest freezer storage, evaporative cooling fans, and cooling towel supplies
  • ✓Verify first aid kit includes heat illness treatment supplies including cool water, spray bottles, and emergency shade shelter
  • ✓Confirm all workers have completed heat stress training and understand symptoms requiring immediate reporting
  • ✓Review acclimatisation status of all workers, identifying any non-acclimatised personnel requiring modified exposure schedules
  • ✓Establish communication plan ensuring supervisors can contact all workers on roof to signal work-rest cycle changes and emergency situations

During work

  • ✓Monitor temperature conditions hourly using WBGT meter or ambient temperature readings, adjusting work-rest cycles as conditions change
  • ✓Observe all workers for signs of heat stress including reduced work pace, excessive sweating, unsteady movement, confusion, or complaints of symptoms
  • ✓Enforce mandatory work-rest cycles using timers, ensuring all workers proceed to cool rest facilities at scheduled intervals regardless of work status
  • ✓Monitor water consumption by observing workers drinking regularly and checking water supply depletion indicates adequate consumption
  • ✓Verify workers are using rest periods in cool facilities rather than remaining in ambient heat, and confirm they are rehydrating during breaks
  • ✓Check urination frequency and urine colour when workers use facilities, with dark concentrated urine indicating inadequate hydration requiring intervention
  • ✓Monitor weather conditions for changes including wind drop, humidity increase, or temperature rise beyond forecast, triggering additional controls or work suspension

After work

  • ✓Conduct end-of-shift health check with all workers asking about symptoms experienced, fatigue level, and adequacy of cooling and hydration
  • ✓Document heat conditions experienced including maximum temperature reached and work-rest cycles implemented in site diary for audit trail
  • ✓Review any heat stress symptoms reported or observed during shift, investigating causes and identifying additional controls required
  • ✓Check condition of cooling equipment and restock supplies including ice vests to freezer, refill water containers, and replenish cooling towels for next shift
  • ✓Provide feedback to workers about next-day forecast conditions and planned start time if early commencement required

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Review Weather Forecast and Determine Work Viability

Before commencing roofing work during hot weather periods, review Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the work location, noting predicted maximum temperature, overnight minimum temperature indicating heat wave conditions, heat warnings, and wind conditions affecting evaporative cooling. Make objective decision whether roofing work can proceed safely based on forecast conditions using established temperature thresholds. If maximum temperature is forecast to exceed 38 degrees Celsius or Bureau of Meteorology has issued an extreme heat warning, suspend all roofing work for the day as heat stress risk remains high even with all other controls implemented. For temperatures forecast between 32-38 degrees Celsius, implement modified work schedule with early start typically 5:00-6:00 AM, mandatory work-rest cycles, and work suspension from midday when peak heat occurs. For temperatures below 32 degrees Celsius, proceed with normal roofing operations whilst maintaining heat awareness and ensuring hydration and rest facilities are available. Communicate decision to all workers by previous afternoon allowing adequate notice for early starts. Document decision and weather conditions in site diary.

Safety considerations

Commercial pressure to maintain project schedules must not override objective heat stress risk assessment. Forecasts predicting extreme heat require work suspension regardless of project impact. Overnight minimum temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius indicate heat wave conditions where workers have not recovered from previous days' heat exposure and require additional precautions.

2

Establish Cool Rest Facilities and Hydration Stations

Before roofing work commences, establish cool rest facilities where workers can achieve genuine core temperature reduction during breaks. If site has air-conditioned amenities building, designate this as primary rest area. Alternatively, position air-conditioned site vehicles near work area for use as cool-down spaces. Set up evaporative cooling station with high-volume fan and water spray where workers can wet clothing for evaporative cooling. Verify cooling equipment is functioning correctly and cooling vests are frozen and ready for use. Position insulated water coolers at ground level near roof access points and on roof level at safe stable locations if practicable, ensuring workers have immediate access to cool drinking water without requiring extended travel. Fill coolers with ice and water maintaining temperature below 15 degrees Celsius for palatability. Provide individual water bottles to each worker with volume markings for tracking consumption. Set up first aid station with heat illness treatment supplies including additional cool water, spray bottles, emergency shade shelter, and ice packs if available. Ensure communication equipment including mobile phones or radios are charged and accessible for emergency contact.

Safety considerations

Rest facilities providing only shade at ambient temperature of 35+ degrees Celsius are inadequate for core temperature reduction. Workers must have access to genuinely cool environments, air-conditioned if possible, evaporative cooling if not. Water temperature significantly affects consumption - warm water is less palatable and consumed in lower volumes than cool water.

3

Conduct Pre-Work Briefing on Heat Stress Protocols

Gather all workers for pre-start briefing focused specifically on heat stress management for the day's conditions. Review forecast temperature and explain work-rest cycles that will be implemented based on conditions. Demonstrate heat stress symptoms workers must watch for including profuse sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, and hot dry skin indicating heat stroke emergency. Emphasise mandatory reporting requirement that any worker experiencing symptoms must immediately inform supervisors and move to cool rest area. Review buddy system assignments ensuring each worker knows who they are monitoring and who is monitoring them. Explain rest facility locations and requirement that all workers must use cool facilities during rest breaks, not remain in heat. Demonstrate use of cooling equipment including ice vests, cooling towels, and evaporative cooling stations. Review hydration requirement of 250ml water consumption every 15-20 minutes with consumption commencing before thirst develops. Identify any non-acclimatised workers requiring modified exposure schedules and explain their reduced work durations. Clarify supervisor authority to remove workers from heat exposure if symptoms observed, reinforcing that this is safety intervention not punishment. Provide opportunity for questions and confirm all workers understand protocols.

Safety considerations

Workers often underestimate heat stress risk or overestimate their heat tolerance, particularly experienced workers who have worked in hot conditions previously without incident. Emphasise that heat illness can affect anyone and reporting symptoms is expected and valued. Non-acclimatised workers may resist modified work schedules seeing it as reduced status - explain physiological need for progressive adaptation.

4

Implement Work-Rest Cycles with Enforced Compliance

Commence roofing work according to scheduled start time, with supervisor monitoring ambient temperature or WBGT conditions hourly to determine appropriate work-rest cycle. Set timer or alarm for work cycle duration based on current temperature conditions - for 30-32 degrees Celsius implement 45 minute work, 15 minute rest; for 32-35 degrees implement 30 minute work, 20 minute rest; for 35-38 degrees implement 15 minute work, 15 minute rest. When timer signals work cycle completion, require all workers to immediately cease work and proceed to cool rest facilities regardless of whether they have completed current tasks. Supervisors must enforce compliance, addressing any workers who attempt to continue working through scheduled breaks. During rest periods, require workers to remain in cool facilities for entire break duration, consume minimum 250ml water, use cooling equipment such as ice vests or evaporative cooling, and genuinely rest rather than engaging in other physical activities. Monitor workers during breaks observing for heat stress symptoms and ensuring compliance with cooling and hydration protocols. When rest period concludes, verify all workers are ready to resume work before signaling work cycle recommencement. Continue systematic work-rest cycling throughout work period, increasing rest frequency and duration if temperature rises above forecast or if any workers show heat stress signs.

Safety considerations

Work-rest cycles only provide protection if genuinely enforced and if rest occurs in cool environments. Workers who continue working through breaks or rest in ambient heat receive no benefit from cycling. Supervisors must have authority and willingness to enforce compliance even when workers resist. Increasing rest duration or suspending work entirely when conditions worsen requires supervisor discretion and empowerment.

5

Maintain Continuous Hydration Monitoring

Throughout work period, actively monitor and encourage water consumption to maintain hydration matching sweat losses. Observe workers consuming water at required 15-20 minute intervals, using individual water bottles with volume markings to verify consumption rates. Supervisors should drink water visibly during monitoring to model expected behaviour. Track water cooler depletion as indicator that overall crew consumption is adequate - if cooler levels are not dropping, consumption is likely insufficient requiring intervention. Monitor workers for hydration status indicators including urination frequency (should occur at least every 2-3 hours), urine colour observation when workers use facilities (light colour indicates adequate hydration, dark concentrated urine indicates dehydration requiring increased consumption), and sweat production (workers should be sweating during heat exposure - absence of sweating despite heat may indicate dehydration or progression to heat stroke). Provide verbal reminders about drinking regularly, particularly to workers focused on tasks who may not self-initiate drinking. For workers showing signs of inadequate hydration, require them to remain in rest area consuming water until urination occurs confirming intake. Refill water coolers and replace ice throughout shift maintaining water temperature cool.

Safety considerations

Relying on thirst as trigger for drinking results in insufficient consumption as thirst indicates dehydration has already commenced. Proactive consumption before thirst develops is essential. Dark concentrated urine is objective sign of dehydration requiring immediate increased water intake and potentially additional rest. Workers who have not urinated during a shift are severely dehydrated and must be removed from heat exposure.

6

Monitor Workers for Heat Stress Symptoms and Intervene Immediately

Maintain continuous observation of all workers throughout shift watching for early signs of heat stress including reduced work pace compared to normal performance, excessive sweating or conversely sudden cessation of sweating, facial flushing or pallor, unsteady movement or loss of coordination, confusion or difficulty following instructions, complaints of headache, dizziness, or nausea, and any unusual behaviour including irritability or aggression. Encourage buddy system partners to report concerns about their partner's condition. If any worker shows heat stress symptoms, immediately intervene by requiring them to stop work and move to cool rest area regardless of their protests that they are fine. Remove excess PPE, provide cool water to drink, implement active cooling using fans, cool water application, or ice vests, and monitor closely for symptom progression. If symptoms include confusion, aggression, hot dry skin, or loss of consciousness indicating heat stroke, immediately activate emergency response through triple zero call requesting ambulance, commence emergency cooling using any available method, position casualty in recovery position if unconscious, and prepare for evacuation. For heat exhaustion symptoms that improve with rest and cooling, continue extended rest period until complete symptom resolution before considering return to work. Document all heat stress incidents including symptoms, interventions, and outcomes. Any heat stress incident warrants review of controls to identify additional measures required.

Safety considerations

Heat stroke progresses rapidly from early symptoms to life-threatening emergency, often within 30-60 minutes. Early intervention when symptoms first appear is critical. Workers often minimize or conceal symptoms due to productivity pressure or not wanting to appear weak - supervisors must be assertive in removing symptomatic workers from heat regardless of worker protests. Heat stroke presenting as confusion or aggression may be mistaken for behavioural issues - always consider heat stress when unusual behaviour occurs in hot conditions.

7

Suspend Work When Conditions Exceed Safe Thresholds

If temperature monitoring indicates conditions have exceeded planned thresholds, or if forecast has underestimated actual conditions, make decision to suspend roofing work for remainder of day. Trigger points requiring work suspension include temperature reaching 38 degrees Celsius regardless of time of day, WBGT measurements exceeding 32 degrees Celsius indicating extreme conditions, wind cessation eliminating convective cooling, or observation of heat stress symptoms in multiple workers indicating controls are inadequate for conditions. When decision to suspend work is made, immediately communicate to all workers, safely secure all equipment and partially completed work against weather and unauthorised access, ensure all workers evacuate roof safely without rushing, account for all personnel, provide extended cool-down period in air-conditioned facilities before workers leave site, and communicate revised schedule for next work period which may require earlier start time to complete work before peak heat. Document decision to suspend work, conditions that triggered suspension, and time of suspension in site diary. Notify clients and other contractors of suspension explaining heat stress safety requirements. Plan next day's work considering forecast conditions, potentially scheduling earlier start or alternative tasks not involving heat exposure.

Safety considerations

Decision to suspend work must be based on objective safety criteria not productivity concerns. Supervisors must have clear authority to suspend work without requiring management approval, as delays in decision-making during deteriorating heat conditions increase incident risk. Workers should not be sent home immediately after heat exposure but provided cool-down period to reduce core temperature before travelling, as heat illness can develop after work cessation.

8

Conduct Post-Shift Health Assessment and Documentation

At conclusion of work shift, conduct health assessment with all workers before they leave site. Ask each worker about symptoms experienced during shift including headache, dizziness, nausea, excessive fatigue, or any other concerns. Observe workers for signs of ongoing heat stress including flushed appearance, confusion, or excessive fatigue. Provide extended cool-down period in air-conditioned facilities before workers travel, ensuring core temperature has returned to normal. Require workers who experienced significant heat stress symptoms to remain on site until symptom-free and core temperature normalised. Document heat conditions experienced including maximum temperature reached, work-rest cycles implemented, any heat stress symptoms reported or observed, and effectiveness of controls in site diary. Review incidents or near-misses, identifying additional controls required for subsequent hot weather work. Provide feedback to workers about next day's forecast and planned work schedule. Remind workers to rehydrate overnight, avoid alcohol which causes dehydration, and get adequate rest before next early start. Check condition of heat stress control equipment, restock cooling supplies, and prepare ice vests for next shift. Report any heat stress incidents to management and document in incident register for trend analysis and regulatory reporting if required.

Safety considerations

Heat illness can develop hours after heat exposure ceases, so workers should be monitored even after work ends and advised to seek medical attention if symptoms develop overnight. Cumulative heat stress across consecutive hot days requires tracking worker exposure over multiple days, not just single shift basis. Workers experiencing symptoms may be reluctant to report if it might affect their employment - create culture where health reporting is valued and confidential.

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Frequently asked questions

At what temperature should roofing work be suspended to prevent heat stress?

There is no single temperature threshold applicable to all situations, as heat stress risk depends on multiple factors including humidity, wind conditions, solar radiation, work intensity, and worker acclimatisation. However, Safe Work Australia guidance and industry practice suggest that when ambient temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius, heat stress risk becomes very high and work suspension should be seriously considered. Many roofing contractors implement policies suspending work when forecast temperatures exceed 35-38 degrees Celsius, recognising that roof surface temperatures will be 15-25 degrees higher than ambient. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurement provides more accurate heat stress assessment by accounting for humidity and radiant heat - WBGT above 32 degrees Celsius generally indicates conditions too severe for moderate to heavy work. Additionally, work should be suspended when Bureau of Meteorology issues extreme heat warnings for your area. The decision should be conservative - if conditions feel unbearably hot, they probably are unsafe. Your SWMS should establish specific temperature triggers for work suspension, empowering supervisors to make suspension decisions based on objective criteria rather than subjective judgement under productivity pressure.

How much water should roofing workers drink during hot weather to prevent dehydration?

Workers performing strenuous roofing work in hot conditions can lose over two litres of fluid per hour through sweating, requiring systematic hydration to replace losses. Safe Work Australia guidance recommends consuming approximately 250ml (one cup) of cool water every 15-20 minutes during work in hot conditions, totaling approximately one litre per hour. This consumption rate should commence before heat exposure begins and continue throughout work and rest periods. Importantly, workers should drink proactively on schedule rather than waiting until thirst develops, as thirst indicates dehydration has already commenced. Water should be readily accessible on roofs or at immediate access points so workers do not need to interrupt work and descend to ground level for each drink, as this creates a barrier to adequate consumption. Cool water (ideally 10-15 degrees Celsius) is more palatable and consumed in higher volumes than warm water. Monitoring hydration adequacy can be achieved by observing urination frequency (should occur at least every 2-3 hours) and urine colour (should be light straw colour - dark concentrated urine indicates dehydration). For most roofing work situations, plain water is adequate for hydration. Electrolyte replacement drinks may be beneficial during extremely prolonged heat exposure exceeding four hours where workers are sweating profusely, but are not necessary for typical work shifts with adequate breaks. Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks which can impair hydration.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke and how should it be treated as a first aid emergency?

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate recognition and treatment. Key symptoms distinguishing heat stroke from heat exhaustion include hot dry skin where sweating has ceased (though some heat stroke victims may still be sweating), core body temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius creating skin that feels hot to touch, severe confusion or disorientation where the person does not know where they are or what is happening, aggressive or combative behaviour that is out of character, loss of coordination and inability to walk without assistance, seizures or convulsions, and progression to unconsciousness. If heat stroke is suspected based on these symptoms, immediate actions must include calling triple zero (000) for ambulance immediately - heat stroke cannot be managed without medical intervention; moving the casualty to the coolest available location, removing excess clothing to maximise heat loss; actively cooling the casualty using any available method including dousing with cool water, applying cold wet towels to neck, armpits, and groin where major blood vessels transfer heat, and fanning vigorously to maximise evaporative cooling; if ice packs are available, applying them to neck, armpits, and groin; if the casualty is conscious, giving cool water to drink in small amounts; and if unconscious, placing in recovery position maintaining airway. Continue aggressive cooling until ambulance arrives or body temperature drops below 39 degrees Celsius. Every minute of delay in cooling increases risk of permanent organ damage and death. Heat stroke is a medical emergency with mortality rates of 10-50% even with treatment - survivors often suffer permanent brain damage, kidney failure, or other organ damage. Never attempt to manage heat stroke without emergency medical services - always call triple zero immediately.

How long does it take for workers to acclimatise to hot conditions and what precautions are needed during this period?

Heat acclimatisation - the physiological adaptations that improve heat tolerance - develops progressively over approximately 7-14 days of regular heat exposure. Beneficial adaptations include increased sweating capacity with sweating commencing earlier during heat exposure, more dilute sweat conserving electrolytes whilst maintaining cooling, increased blood plasma volume improving cardiovascular function, reduced cardiovascular strain for the same work intensity, and lower core body temperature during heat exposure. However, these adaptations only develop through progressive exposure and are lost relatively quickly - approximately 50% of acclimatisation benefits are lost after one week without heat exposure, with full loss occurring after 2-3 weeks. Workers requiring acclimatisation protocols include new employees beginning roofing work during hot weather, experienced workers returning from leave exceeding one week, workers transferring from indoor work or cooler climates, and all workers during the first hot weather period each summer. During the acclimatisation period, workers should have reduced heat exposure starting at approximately 50% of normal duration on Day 1 and progressively increasing by 10% each day until reaching full exposure by Day 6-7. Non-acclimatised workers should be assigned less heat-intensive tasks such as ground-level material preparation rather than continuous roof work in direct sun. They require closer monitoring for heat stress symptoms, more frequent rest breaks, and clear instruction to immediately report any symptoms. Supervisors must understand that non-acclimatised workers have genuinely reduced heat tolerance, not lack of fitness or effort. The increased incident risk during the acclimatisation period requires conservative heat exposure management - attempting to maintain full productivity immediately when conditions become hot is the most common cause of heat illness in previously healthy workers.

What are the legal requirements for heat stress management under Australian WHS legislation?

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have a primary duty of care under Section 19 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers. This includes protecting workers from environmental hazards including extreme heat. PCBUs must identify heat stress hazards through risk assessment considering temperature, humidity, solar radiation, physical work intensity, and worker factors. The hierarchy of control must be applied, prioritising elimination through work scheduling to avoid extreme heat periods, engineering controls such as shaded rest areas and cooling facilities, administrative controls including work-rest cycles and hydration protocols, before relying on PPE. Specific requirements include providing adequate cool drinking water, establishing rest facilities with protection from heat, implementing work scheduling and procedures to prevent heat illness, training workers to recognise symptoms, and providing emergency response procedures and first aid. Safe Work Australia's 'Guide to Managing the Risk of Heat' provides practical guidance for compliance. Failure to implement adequate heat stress controls can result in improvement notices requiring control implementation, prohibition notices suspending work until controls are established, and substantial financial penalties. Following heat illness incidents, prosecutions have resulted in fines exceeding $250,000 for companies and $50,000 for individuals. In fatality cases, industrial manslaughter charges carrying potential imprisonment can be brought against companies and directors. Beyond penalties, heat illness incidents result in workers compensation claims often exceeding $100,000, insurance premium increases, and reputational damage. Documentation through comprehensive SWMS provides evidence of due diligence and demonstrates compliance with legal obligations. The SWMS must be site-specific, addressing actual heat conditions expected, controls being implemented, and emergency procedures, not generic template documents.

Should roofing work continue during Bureau of Meteorology extreme heat warnings?

No - roofing work should be suspended during Bureau of Meteorology extreme heat warnings as these warnings indicate conditions where heat stress risk remains very high even with all other controls implemented. Extreme heat warnings are issued when temperatures are forecast to be unusually hot compared to local climate, typically 5-10 degrees above average maximum temperatures, or when heat waves persist for multiple consecutive days. These warnings specifically identify increased risk for vulnerable persons and those performing outdoor physical work. Continuing roofing work during extreme heat warnings demonstrates failure to implement the hierarchy of control by not eliminating exposure to extreme hazards when elimination is reasonably practicable through work rescheduling. If heat illness incidents occur during forecast extreme heat conditions, regulatory investigations will scrutinise why work proceeded despite official warnings, potentially viewing this as reckless disregard for worker safety. Your SWMS should establish that roofing work will not proceed on days when extreme heat warnings are current, with this decision delegated to supervisors without requiring management approval, ensuring safety takes priority over commercial pressures. While work suspension creates project delays and lost productivity, the alternative risk of heat stroke fatalities or serious injuries cannot be justified. Alternative work can often be scheduled during extreme heat days including indoor tasks, equipment maintenance, training, or administrative work that keeps workers employed whilst avoiding heat exposure. Communicate clearly with clients that extreme heat warnings trigger work suspension as non-negotiable safety requirement, managing expectations that roofing work schedules must be flexible to accommodate weather conditions.

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