Australian traders have been warned to take time off work as temperatures rise – and why your bosses can’t stop you
- The heatwave will affect all states and territories in the coming week
- Temperatures over 30°C are expected from Tuesday through the weekend
- The southern regions of the country will be affected the most by the heat
- Traders were warned to avoid excessive heat and to take required breaks
Traders have been warned to avoid operating in excessive temperatures as the heatwave drives up temperatures in Australian states and territories.
A low-intensity heat wave is set to hit large areas of South Australia and New South Wales from Tuesday as well as parts of Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
The heatwave is expected to abate for most states by the end of the week with only small areas of western Western Australia and central Northern Territory affected on Sunday.
Weatherzone Meteorologist Ben Domencino said extreme heat will mostly affect southern Australia while the north will continue to see severe storms.
A low-intensity heatwave is set to bring temperatures above 30C for all states and territories from Tuesday (pictured, Tuesday’s temperature forecast map)
Australian traders (above) have been warned to avoid working in sweltering temperatures and take necessary breaks as a massive heat wave hits the southern regions of Australia
“Looking south, it will be a hot and sweaty start to this week over large areas of southern and southeastern Australia, as hot air is drawn in from the interior ahead of an approaching cold front,” he said.
Temperatures are likely to reach the mid-30s in Adelaide and Melbourne on Tuesday and may also reach lows in the 30s in Hobart, Canberra and Sydney on Tuesday or Wednesday.
This week could feature Sydney’s first day above 30C since February 2021, which would end the city’s second longest stretch of below 30C in records dating back to 1859.’
The Construction, Forestry, Marine, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) tells its 100,000-plus members nationwide to avoid working in “hazardous” heat conditions.
A guide issued by the union reads that “Once the temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius or a humidity level above 75 percent, there will be an orderly stop of work and preparations for the safe completion of critical tasks.”
Work must be programmed in such a way as to minimize the risk of heat stress.
Sufficient numbers of workers must be engaged to allow for a rotation of workers during hot periods.
Sydney is expected to experience temperatures above 30°C for the first time since February 2021
Employers will also be required to provide easy access to cold drinking water for workers, and to reduce physical activity where possible.
In addition, rest periods (to be provided) as per individual need. Individuals should not be discouraged from taking necessary breaks, the CFMEU manual said.
Are obligatory “smoko” breaks and lunch expected?
The Occupational Health and Safety Delegates’ Guide to Working in Elevated Temperatures advises workers that “employers are expected to prevent your workplace from being uncomfortably hot”.
The guide reads “The employer has a duty of care under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide a healthy and safe workplace”.
“(Temperatures from) 35°C to 40°C are considered the high temperature tolerance limit for ‘most people.’”
