Thirteen years after Jenny Newport's son, Glenn Newport, died from extreme heat on a Queensland worksite, concerns persist regarding the implementation of effective heat policies. Ms. Newport has stated that the government has not acted on the coroner's recommendations for a comprehensive heat policy following her son's death.
Glenn Newport died in 2013 while working on a coal seam gas pipeline project near Roma during a three-day heatwave where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, according to the coroner's report. Mr. Newport became incapacitated by heat and later collapsed, dying from hyponatraemia in an ambulance. His mother stated that an overall state-wide heat policy or a greater duty of care could have prevented his death.
In Queensland, employers are required to manage heat risks under the Health and Safety Act, but there is no specific maximum temperature for workers. The Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPICs), negotiated between the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) and a former state government, previously allowed workers to stop work at 35C or 29C with 75 percent humidity. However, the newly-elected LNP government suspended BPIC for new major government projects in 2024.
CFMEU Queensland executive Jared Abbott stated that an industry-standard heat policy would protect workers and could enhance productivity by driving better on-site behavior. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland provides guidance and resources, including an online heat stress calculator, to assist businesses with risk assessment.
Experts advocate for a "fit for purpose" heat policy as extreme heat becomes more prominent. Professor Ollie Jay, director of the Heat and Health Research Centre at the University of Sydney, recommends a "graded approach" focusing on individuals in hot environments rather than solely on ambient air temperature. Professor Jay, who co-developed the Australian Open's heat policy after a 2014 heatwave, suggested a similar model could be adapted for national worksites. This policy measures air temperature, humidity, black globe temperature, and wind speed collectively, using graded measures like ice towels and increased water intake to reduce heat stress while maintaining productivity. Professor Jay noted that standard meteorological air temperature measurements often do not account for the higher radiant heat on worksites in direct sun, emphasizing the need for such policies to protect workers as temperatures rise.