Fatality of rider in motorcycle tour group

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

Heat stress is often overlooked as a workplace hazard, yet it presents serious risks, for example, in the tourism industry where work frequently occurs outdoors and in unpredictable environmental conditions. Unlike controlled indoor settings, tourism operators face unique challenges such as diverse client behaviour, variable environmental conditions, and the need to balance safety with the guest experience.

Under section 19(2) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, tourism employers and operators need to ensure the health and safety of their workers, clients and other individuals under their care.

Identify the risks

Heat stress presents a unique challenge in tourism settings, where both workers and clients are exposed to environmental extremes. Effective management requires a proactive approach that considers the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of all individuals involved. Maintaining a safe internal core temperature and minimising the risks of heat stress is influenced by three main factors:

• Task: the type of activities being undertaken.
• Environmental: the nature of the environment where activities occur.
• Individual: the human body’s ability to tolerate heat.

Examples of risk factors which also need to be taken into consideration include:

• exposure to direct and reflected sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day
• amount of air movement such as natural and forced, in open or confined spaces
• radiant temperature of surroundings (environment, plant and equipment)
• clothing breathability and whether it inhibits the evaporation of sweat
• personal protective equipment worn by the worker and other persons
• hydration level of workers and other persons
• access to cool rest areas
• individual acclimatisation status (recent exposure to working in heat)
• worker and other person factors including fitness levels, medical conditions, medications, and understanding heat risk factors (signs and symptoms of heat induced illnesses)
• geographical location and climate.

The ability to tolerate heat varies significantly among individuals due to factors such as age, fitness level, medical conditions, and acclimatisation. Tourists and transient workers may be particularly vulnerable if they are not accustomed to the local climate.

Just like workers, tourists may downplay early signs of heat illness, either because they want to fully enjoy their holiday or are simply unaware of the risks. It is important to provide tourists with clear information about heat stress, including its signs and symptoms, and what to do in an emergency.

As conditions can change daily, risk assessment should be conducted regularly. Remember, the consequences of not managing risks can include permanent injury and death.

To assist businesses to meet their obligations, there is a Heat Stress (basic) calculator available on the website. Further information can be found at Heat stress | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.

Managing the risks of heat stress in tourist industries

Risk assessments should be undertaken regularly to ensure changes in risk factors are considered and properly managed. When assessing risk, consider:

• environmental conditions at the activity location, such as temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and shade availability
• the physical intensity of activities being offered, for example, high-exertion activities like guided hikes, trail bike riding with full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), or outdoor adventure sports pose a greater risk of heat stress compared to low-exertion activities like seated boat tours or museum visits
• individual characteristics of clients, including age, fitness level, acclimatisation to heat, and any pre-existing health conditions.

You should incorporate client screening into this process.

• Pre-arrival:
  • ask about medical conditions, medications, and previous experiences with heat stress via health questionnaires.
  • identify where the client is coming from - are they acclimated to local climates, or have they recently arrived from a cooler environment or climate.
• On-site screening:
  • conduct a brief health check during check-in, including questions about how they are feeling and any symptoms of heat stress.
• Information and education:
  • provide brochures or digital content (in various languages) on heat stress, including how to avoid it, recognising symptoms, and what to do if they feel unwell.
  • orientation that includes information on heat stress risks, symptoms, and prevention.
• Regular monitoring:
  • regularly check-in with clients, especially during hotter parts of the day, to monitor their wellbeing.
  • train workers to observe clients for signs of heat stress and to intervene if necessary.

High-risk clients

Certain clients may be at higher risk of heat-related illness due to age, underlying medical conditions, medications, or lack of acclimatisation. These vulnerabilities should be considered when designing screening tools and communication strategies.

Ensure that health questionnaires are accessible in both digital and paper formats to accommodate varying levels of digital literacy and access. Tailor messaging to suit different demographics and consider language and cultural factors that may influence a client’s understanding or response to heat stress information.

In cases where a client’s health status or risk profile makes participation in a planned activity unsafe- that is if the risk cannot be eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable- the activity should not be made available.

Administrative controls

Worker selection: workers who have become acclimatised to the work environment are at less risk than unacclimatised workers.

Scheduling of work: where possible, conduct the work (such as motorcycle tour guides):

• in cooler parts of the year, especially where the work requires protective clothing
• at night, early morning, or late afternoon rather than midday.

Work-rest intervals:

• spend rest periods in a cool place with a plentiful supply of cool water for fluid replacement
• remove protective clothing during breaks to allow for cooling off.

Fluid replacement is critical when in a hot environment:

• drink small volumes as frequently as possible during work
• provide cool drinks or water (if supplying drinks, make sure the workers and other persons like them)
• help workers and other persons to self-monitor their hydration status via hydration test strips and urine colour charts
• encourage avoidance of diuretic drinks immediately prior to starting work and to rehydrate between shifts
• encourage water consumption at the start of the shift to maximise hydration status
• encourage the replacement of electrolytes in high sweat scenarios.

Buddy systems.

Train workers

Providing training is required for all workers likely to be working in hot environments, and those who wear impermeable protective clothing. Training should include:

• mechanisms of heat exposure
• potential heat exposure situations
• recognition of predisposing factors
• importance of fluid intake
• the nature of acclimatisation
• effects of alcohol and drugs
• early recognition of symptoms of heat illness
• prevention of heat illness
• first aid treatment of heat illnesses
• self-assessment
• how medical surveillance programs work and the advantages of employee participation.

The control measures put in place should be reviewed regularly to make sure they work as planned.

Emergency response and first aid

Even with the best prevention strategies, emergencies can still happen. When they do, every second counts. Having a clear emergency plan to ensure all workers are trained, especially designated first aid responders, is essential.

If someone shows signs of heat stroke or severe heat exhaustion—don’t delay, call 000 immediately.