Working outside year round means the 100-member crew is exposed to some of the world’s most extreme temperatures, from near-freezing conditions in winter to more than 50°C in the searing height of summer.
Like their counterparts in other field maintenance teams, careful planning using risk assessment and risk registers is vital for ensuring that work schedules are met without taking any unnecessary chances to the health and wellbeing of team members.
Superintendent John Gurney said, “Crews always carry plenty of water and religiously stick to the slip, slop, slap regime of sun hat, sunscreen and protective clothing. Good safety glasses are also important.”
Heat stress is a major health threat in Australia and heat waves kill more people than any other natural hazard. Over the last 100 years more than 4200 deaths have been reported – almost twice the number of fatalities attributed to either tropical cyclones or floods.
Last month, an Australian solider died after complaining of heat exhaustion while undertaking routine training in the Northern Territory. Trooper Angus James Lawrence, 25, collapsed after completing the exercise in high humidity with temperatures around 30°C.
Take care in the sun. By the time you feel thirsty, weak or overheated you are already dehydrated.
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