With the onset of hot weather and forecasts indicating no sign of rain, cool weather or any form of relief, Direct Edge Corporate Development manager has warned about the effects of heat at work.

General Manager of Direct Edge, Ricki Jeffery said the media constantly reminded people about the importance of drinking plenty of water, avoiding long periods of exposure to the elements, and the importance of ventilation, with particular importance placed on the very young, the elderly and the act of leaving people and pets in locked or parked cars on hot days. However heat stress in the work environment was often overlooked.

“Heat stress, in the work environment especially, can and will affect production, absenteeism, and the physical, mental and emotional well being of all employees,” she said.

“People need to be aware of the symptoms relating to heat stress. They need to be able to discuss heat stress openly and tell each other when they feel heat stress. They need to know how to respond to symptoms – and respond quickly.

The symptoms of heat stress are not always easy to identify, especially if the person is heat affected and not thinking clearly. Dehydration is usually a major factor.

“If water lost in sweat is not replaced, dehydration can kill within a few hours of exposure to extreme heat,” Ms Jeffery explained.

Signs of heat stress include headaches, rashes, fatigue, pins and needles, cramping of extremities and stomach, light-headedness and fainting, nausea and vomiting, delirious or incoherent behaviour, convulsions, loss of consciousness and coma leading to death. If not recognised and controlled, these symptoms can seriously damage the body’s vital organs.

Direct Edge, in conjunction with McCosker Safety Management, have recently developed the Heat Stress Learning Package, which has been designed to heighten awareness of the issues surrounding heat stress.

Direct Edge is an accredited corporate development agency that draws on the resources of Central Queensland University, providing learning programs and services to small business, industry and the government sector.