Heat stress

The body unable to shed heat from hot conditions, exertion or clothing, causing cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Also known as: Heat stress incident, Heat illness, Heat exhaustion, Heatstroke, Heat stroke, Hyperthermia

How to control heat stress

Reschedule heavy or outdoor work to cooler parts of the day, or postpone non-essential work during extreme heat.
Use mechanical aids to cut physical exertion, and provide shade, fans, cooling or air-conditioned rest areas.
Provide cool drinking water close by, regular rest breaks and job rotation as heat and workload increase.
Let new and returning workers acclimatise gradually, and use a buddy system so workers watch each other for symptoms.
Train workers to recognise heat illness, and treat suspected heatstroke as an emergency by calling 000 and cooling the person.
Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing, and consider cooling vests where heavy PPE adds to heat load.

Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.