Heat Policy

What's the problem?

Heat stress occurs when your body is unable to cool itself sufficiently and body temperature rises; when heat is absorbed from the environment faster than the body can get rid of it. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that can develop into heat stroke. It is the body's response to loss of fluid and salt due to sweating. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, caused by a rise in core body temperature. A person suffering heat stroke becomes confused, and may stagger or collapse. The skin may be either dry or wet.

What should you be looking out for?

Heat stress warning signs may include:

• heavy sweating

• headaches

• tiredness and weakness

• dizziness or fainting

• slurred speech or blurred vision

• nausea and vomiting

• painful muscles spasms or cramps.

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What is Man With A Van going to do about it?

Man With A Van will monitor the weather forecast and receive alerts from the Victorian Government Heat Health Alert System

Where the temperature is forecast to exceed 35 degrees, Man With A Van office staff will inform customers that workers may take appropriate breaks to ensure the move is completed without injury. Customers with long moves (ie load up or unload of 2h+) will be encouraged to book to avoid the hottest part of the day (ie 0800 spots).

Where the temperature is forecast to exceed 37 degrees, Man With A Van will, where possible, reserve 25 per cent of afternoon booking spots. This will allow workers to be directed to assist other teams to complete their tasks, and help to ensure earlier finish times.

When can I take a paid heat break?

The same situation as our Fatigue Break Policy. If, during a move for a customer, you think it is necessary to take a break in order to remain safe and avoid injury, please inform the customer and take a break of appropriate length. You should log a break using the mobile website, so that this break time is deducted from the customer’s final bill. After the job is complete and paid for, please contact a manager to explain the situation. The manager will then delete that break time from your timesheet. A break of this type should be taken whenever it is necessary to preserve your, and your team mate’s, safety.

Paid heat break or unpaid lunch break?

You are expected to arrange, and take, a lunch break of 30-60 minutes each day. Logging a “heat break” is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for a lunch break.

Typical instances where this may occur

• Any instance where you feel an injury may be imminent if you were to continue

• During hot or extremely hot weather

• When moving a number of very heavy or items with difficult access (ie large tables, multiple 3 seater sofa beds up flights of stairs)

• Late in the day after having already done a number of long or difficult jobs

• Towards the end of a long and difficult job, where you haven’t had the opportunity to rest at any other stage (i.e. the job had minimal driving)