John Watson, WorkCover general manager of workplace health and safety, said the Bureau of Meteorology was predicting temperatures in the mid-40Cs.

“Employers and workers, especially those working in heat-related conditions, need to remain vigilant to the risks of working in high temperatures, given it is expected to be warmer than average across southeastern Australia for the next few days,” he said.

“If possible, you should try to reschedule work to cooler times of the day, for example, early mornings or late afternoons.

“If this is not possible, ensure that workers have access to plain drinking water – at least 200 millilitres every 15-20 minutes – shaded rest areas and regular rest breaks.

“Heat illness can be fatal. Common symptoms of dangerous heat illness may include nausea, dizziness, general weakness and collapse. If you or your workers are working in a hot environment and have any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical assistance.”

WorkCover NSW and other Australian health and safety agencies have developed a nationally harmonised fact sheet on working in the heat.

This is available for download at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au