Canberra Swelters as Heatwave Intensifies with Temperatures Soaring into the 40s
Canberra is grappling with a severe heatwave, with Wednesday poised to be the hottest day of the current spell as temperatures are forecast to reach a scorching 43 degrees Celsius. This comes close to the record of 44 degrees set back on January 4, 2000, putting residents and workers on high alert.
Workplace Adjustments and Safety Concerns Amid Extreme Heat
As the Bureau of Meteorology extended its severe heatwave warning through to Friday, construction sites across the capital are implementing drastic changes to protect workers. Schedules are being rearranged to shift physically demanding tasks, such as concreting, into the cooler early morning hours.
Construction worker and union representative Waffa Asif highlighted the dangers, stating, "We've seen it first hand with workers dropping like flies when there's heat exhaustion and heat stroke involved. These are really high real risks that are present." She noted a common saying among construction crews: "If it hits 38, it's out the gate," underscoring that temperatures above 35 degrees make work unsafe.
Kahlid Kassouh, another construction worker, explained the proactive measures being taken: "So we need to plan our days. If it's going to be 40 degrees at 12 o'clock, we'll plan it so that we come earlier on that day. So we start at six to try to beat the heat." The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union has urged employers to plan for dangerous weather to prevent injuries or fatalities.
Health Warnings and Community Impacts
Medical professionals are urging Canberrans to take extra precautions during this heatwave. Canberra cardiologist Arnagretta Hunter warned that heat can significantly affect both physical and mental health. "We should expect that many of us will become crankier and more argumentative over the coming days," she said, noting that family and partner violence is more likely during heatwaves, especially when nights remain hot.
Doctors recommend seeking shade and staying hydrated. In response, some bus and tram staff are carrying water bottles to assist passengers suffering from the heat, while Transport Canberra has reminded its employees to wear weather-appropriate clothing and stay hydrated.
Surge in Demand for Cooling Solutions
Air-conditioning companies are experiencing a significant boom in business as residents seek relief from the oppressive temperatures. "It's going through the roof," one company representative said, with another adding, "The hotter it gets, the more business goes up."
Pia Laubsch from Level Electrical & Air Fyshwick noted that the mild summer until now has led to increased usage of air conditioning units, often revealing pre-existing issues. "It's been a mild summer up 'til now but people are using air conditioning for the first time and that's when breakages happen," she explained. The company is also taking steps to protect its workers by erecting gazebos for shade.
Government Guidelines and Infrastructure Preparedness
The ACT government has recently introduced stricter guidelines for working in extreme heat, though they are not mandatory. These guidelines suggest measures such as:
- Cancelling or rescheduling work for cooler times or indoor locations with air conditioning.
- Using automated equipment to reduce physical exertion in hot conditions.
While compliance is voluntary, failure to follow these guidelines could serve as compelling evidence in employee disputes. Additionally, the government assured that Canberra's light rail network is designed to operate safely in extreme temperatures, with staff prepared to handle the heat.
As Canberra endures this intense heatwave, the community is urged to stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and support one another through the challenging conditions.
