By Sarah Winwood

Director & HR Consultant | UPP HR

With Queensland already hitting temperatures above 40°C in parts of the state, it’s a timely reminder for businesses to take heat stress seriously, both from a safety and a compliance perspective.

Let’s take a look at what every nursery, garden and horticulture business should be thinking about this summer.

Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace

Like any workplace hazard, heat stress requires a risk management approach. Employers have a duty under Work Health and Safety legislation to provide a safe environment and to identify, assess, and control risks associated with working in the heat.

Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself fast enough to maintain a safe core temperature of around 37°C. If untreated, it can become life-threatening. Tragically illustrated in 2017 when a Belgian fruit picker in Queensland died after his organs shut down from heat stress. His employer was later fined $65,000.

Three main factors influence risk:

1. Individual factors – pregnancy, certain medications (antipsychotics, antihypertensives, antiepileptics), and lack of heat acclimatisation (especially new or international workers).
2. Work environment conditions – high temperatures, humidity, low air movement, or radiant heat from machinery.
3. Nature of the work – physical labour, outdoor or at-height work, or tasks in direct sunlight with limited shade.

Practical steps to reduce risk:

– Conduct a heat risk assessment (the Queensland Government’s Heat Stress Calculator is a great tool).

– Provide shaded rest areas and increase break frequency during hot weather.

– Schedule heavy tasks for cooler parts of the day.

– Supply cool drinking water and encourage regular hydration.

– Provide suitable PPE, hats, and breathable uniforms.

– Train workers on early signs of heat stress and how to respond.

– Ensure new workers are properly inducted, including practical tips for staying safe in the heat.

By being proactive, you’re not just keeping your team safe, you’re protecting productivity, morale, and compliance.

With the GIQ membership, Nurture and Thrive members can access general HR advice to help navigate workplace obligations confidently. To find out how UPP HR can support your business with practical HR guidance, book a free consultation with the team.

Let’s make this summer a safe, compliant, and enjoyable one for everyone.