The tragic death of Glenn Newport, a young man working on a coal seam gas pipeline project in Queensland, has sparked a crucial conversation about the need for an industry-wide heat policy. It's been over a decade since his passing, and his mother, Jenny Newport, is still fighting for change.
Jenny's grief is compounded by the fact that despite her son's death, no effective heat policy has been implemented across the state. She believes that if such a policy had been in place, her son might still be alive today.
"It's unbelievable that after all this time, the government hasn't taken action," she said. "The coroner's recommendations were clear, yet nothing has been done."
On that fateful day in 2013, Glenn, aged 38, was working amidst a three-day heatwave. The temperature soared above 40 degrees Celsius, and despite taking regular breaks with his crew, he gradually succumbed to the extreme heat. By lunchtime, he was taken to the worksite clinic, but it was too late. He collapsed in his room that evening and passed away en route to the hospital, a victim of hyponatraemia caused by working in excessive heat.
Jenny's plea for a heat policy is not just about her son's tragic fate. It's a call to safeguard the future of our workforce. With climate change intensifying, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe.
"State and federal governments are taking steps to protect our country from climate change. Why aren't we doing the same for our workers?" she asks.
But here's where it gets controversial...
In Queensland, while there is no set maximum temperature for workers, employers are required to manage heat risks under the Health and Safety Act. The Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPICs) standards, negotiated between the CFMEU and the former Queensland Labor government, allowed workers to stop work at 35C or 29C with 75% humidity. However, the newly-elected LNP government suspended BPIC for new major government projects in 2024.
Jared Abbott, CFMEU Queensland executive, argues that an industry standard heat policy would protect workers without reducing productivity.
"It's not about stopping work; it's about ensuring a safe and healthy work environment," he said. "A heat policy would drive companies to improve productivity and encourage better on-site behavior."
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland provides guidance, including an online heat stress calculator, to help businesses assess and manage heat risks. However, experts like Professor Ollie Jay, director of the Heat and Health Research Centre at the University of Sydney, believe a more comprehensive approach is needed.
"We need to shift our focus from just the weather to the people working in these hot environments," Professor Jay said. "A graded approach, similar to the one developed for the Australian Open, could be a solution."
The Australian Open's heat policy measures various factors, including air temperature, humidity, black globe temperature, and wind speed. It employs graded measures like ice towels and increased water intake to reduce heat stress while maintaining productivity.
Professor Jay suggests that a similar policy could be adapted for workers across the country.
"It's a pressing need. We know the climate is changing, and we must protect our workers. There's already extensive research available; we just need to put it into practice."
And this is the part most people miss...
While the idea of a heat policy may seem straightforward, implementing it effectively is complex. The standard meteorological measure of air temperature, taken in the shade, often underestimates the radiant heat on worksites in direct sunlight.
So, the question remains: How can we ensure the safety and well-being of our workers in an increasingly hot world?
What are your thoughts on this crucial issue? Do you think an industry-standard heat policy is necessary, or do you have alternative suggestions? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
