COUNCIL PROTECTS WORKERS IN HEATWAVE

Published on 17 January 2019

Blacktown City Council is implementing special measures to protect its outdoor workers during these heatwave conditions.

“We have nearly a thousand outdoor workers and we have a duty of care to make sure they are working in a safe environment,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.

“Council has implemented an early start regime when the temperature is forecast to reach 37 degrees. Outdoor staff will start work at 6am and finish at 3pm and special measures are in place including extra breaks, changing some work practices, extra supplies of cool drinking water and changing work areas to suit the conditions.”

Council will also be handing out ice-blocks, cool drinks and ice creams at three of their depots for workers when they finish work early.

Council managers and supervisors have been fully briefed with a wide range of measures to deal with the heatwave conditions.

 “Council is also committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors to our region.

“Council has implemented a ‘Beat the Heat’ strategy consisting of four key messages in dealing with heatwave conditions,” Mayor Bali said.

 Blacktown City Council Beat the Heat:

Full details of the Beat the Heat strategy can be found at: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Health-and-safety/Beat-the-heat