Be safe during extreme weather events in Queensland
As many Queenslanders in North Queensland are experiencing a severe weather event, those in the rural areas from Cardwell to South of Townsville, are being reminded to keep safety front of mind. While it's natural to focus on protecting our homes and loved ones during floods, it's equally important to remember workplace health and safety, especially when it comes to cleaning up and recovering.
Let's all look out for each other and stay safe during these challenging times.
Flood recovery
For those coordinating flood recovery efforts, it's crucial to take a moment to assess any potential hazards before starting work in the affected areas.
Employers coordinating flood recovery activities must assess potential hazards before commencing any work in flood-affected areas.
Key risks include:
- exposure to asbestos in damaged buildings constructed before 1990
- chemical hazards from displaced containers and contaminated floodwater
- biological hazards leading to infections and disease
- risks of slips, trips and falls in muddy conditions
- fatigue from extended work hours during recovery
- mental health impacts on workers involved in clean-up efforts.
Employers must provide appropriate safety equipment, training and supervision to workers and volunteers involved in recovery operations. This includes suitable personal protective equipment such as enclosed footwear, heavy work gloves, and protective clothing.
Workers and volunteers should:
- never enter floodwater without appropriate safety measures
- avoid electrical equipment that has been water-affected until cleared by a qualified electrician
- be alert to the presence of asbestos in debris from older buildings
- maintain good hygiene practices when handling flood-affected materials
- take regular rest breaks and watch for signs of fatigue
- seek help if feeling overwhelmed by the clean-up task.
Read further information on storms and floods
Alongside flooding, Queenslanders have been experiencing extreme temperatures across some parts of the state.
It’s easy to become complacent when you are used to the extremes of a Queensland summer, but that complacency can have dire consequences. This is a reminder to primary industry to consider the effects of heat stress when working in severe temperatures.
Parts of the sunshine state can soar past 40 degrees and businesses are required to have plans in place to keep workers safe from heat related illnesses.
In any situation where temperatures are high, a range of factors need to be considered including individual risk, environmental risk, and the nature of the work. Clothing, PPE, hydration, as well as medical and fitness considerations, also need to be factored into risk planning.
More information
We encourage you to refer to the Heat stress calculator and other guidance and resources for business and industry to meet heat-related obligations: