With summer approaching, our team is preparing for the challenges of working in extreme heat. Traffic controllers spend long hours outdoors, often on hot asphalt that can push temperatures even higher. Here's how we keep our people safe during the hottest months.
The Reality of Summer Work
Australian summers are harsh, and traffic control is demanding work. Controllers stand for extended periods, wear high-visibility clothing, and work on road surfaces that can reach temperatures of 60°C or more. Heat stress is a serious risk that we take seriously.
The symptoms of heat-related illness can escalate quickly — from fatigue and headaches to heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Prevention is always better than treatment.
Our Heat Management Protocols
Focus Traffic Management implements comprehensive heat management procedures during summer months:
Hydration
- All controllers carry water and are reminded to drink regularly — not just when thirsty
- Electrolyte drinks are provided for extended shifts
- Supervisors monitor team hydration throughout the day
Rest Breaks
- Increased break frequency during extreme heat days
- Shaded rest areas established on-site where possible
- Air-conditioned vehicles available for cooling down
Scheduling
- Where possible, we schedule physically demanding tasks for cooler parts of the day
- Crew rotations to limit individual exposure time
- Monitoring of Bureau of Meteorology heat warnings
PPE Considerations
- Lightweight, breathable high-vis clothing
- Wide-brim hats that meet safety requirements
- Sunscreen and sunglasses provided
Recognising Heat Stress
All our controllers are trained to recognise the signs of heat stress in themselves and their colleagues:
- Early signs: Heavy sweating, fatigue, thirst, muscle cramps
- Warning signs: Headache, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat
- Serious signs: Confusion, hot dry skin, loss of consciousness — this is a medical emergency
If a team member shows signs of heat stress, they're immediately moved to a cool area, given fluids, and monitored. We never hesitate to call for medical assistance if needed.
Working With Our Clients
We work with project managers and site supervisors to ensure heat management is factored into project planning during summer. This might include:
- Adjusting start times to take advantage of cooler morning hours
- Planning for additional crew members to allow for rotation
- Identifying shaded areas or providing portable shade structures
- Building flexibility into schedules for extreme heat days
Our Commitment
The safety of our people is non-negotiable. No job is worth risking someone's health. If conditions become too dangerous, we have the authority to implement additional controls or pause work until it's safe to continue.
This approach protects our team and ultimately protects your project — healthy workers deliver better results and fewer disruptions.