Look out for workers who work in the dark

With Daylight Saving having come to an end, the Department of Labour is reminding people to look out for workers working in dim evening light, as this will now be more likely with increasing hours of darkness, as we move into winter.

The Department is also reminding employers and employees to be alert to deteriorating light conditions and the extra risks this can create.

Department of Labour Chief Advisor for Workplace Health and Safety David Tregoweth says we should be on the lookout for a number of workers, ranging from children delivering junk mail, newspaper deliverers, couriers, and road workers and - of course - those who are working within their normal workplaces in diminished light conditions.

“People need to remember that as well as places such as loading zones, warehouses, car parks and marshalling areas where light may be reduced, roads and footpaths are often workplaces too. We need to consider the needs of those who work there and take care not to put them in danger. If we collectively increase our awareness, that will prevent accidents, injuries and even deaths,” says Mr Tregoweth.

He says employers and people who hire contractors have a key role in ensuring their workers remain safe, as does every member of our community.

“While some employees and contract workers wear safety apparel such as high-visibility vests, I would like to remind people that a basic garment with some form of reflective material will enhance worker safety as daylight hours become shorter. However, this should be a minimum precaution.”

Health and Safety regulations prohibit children under 16 from working at night.