Construction worker wearing a face mask on Australian solar farm in the outback

Protecting Workers: Hazards on Australian Solar Farms

In the regional parts and the Outback of Australia, solar farm workers face environmental hazards, some of them extreme.  With high temperatures, clouds of airborne dust, bush flies and intense UV. Solar farm workers have a higher exposure to environmental hazards than most. 

Hazards for Australian Solar Farm Workers

Dust storms on Australian solar farms

 In 2020, a massive dust storm rolled through the New South Wales town of Parkes, including the Parkes Solar Farm.  While these are less common, these storms are miserable and can be dangerous for workers.

Willy Willys and Dust Devils on Solar Farms

 

Solar farm worker watching dust storm in Australia

 The soil on solar farms is usually dry and powdery, which makes it become airborne easily. The dry, sun beaten soils have little plant growth are are easily made airbourne. Vehicles, plant operations, willy willys and dust storms can be a menace to workers.  

 Have a look at this excerpt from an article on the Bungala Solar Farm: 

"A former employee at the Bungala site — who did not want to be named — said conditions on the site were difficult, particularly during dust storms — which are common in the South Australian desert. "I was quite staggered that they could keep a site open in such terrible conditions," he said.
"The winds and the sand at ground level was just phenomenal. And the guys that worked in the trenches, these trenches are waist deep, so they would have been right in the blasting line of ground dust. That would have been tremendously uncomfortable."    - ABC News
This Renew Economy article references a report by Alinta Energy which captures the harsh conditions of a solar farm in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
" The Pilbara summer is unrelentingly hot, often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the shade. Along with the heat, it can also be quite humid. The heat and humidity go hand in hand with swarms of flies.
Strategies included early start - early finish, regular rest breaks, distributed ice buckets and temporary shading. The source of the dust is from vehicles on nearby dirt roads and the Christmas Creek Ore Processing facility, located about 1km away.

UV hazards on  Australian solar farms

Australia's high levels of UV radiation serve as a reminder of the importance of sun safety and skin protection. By being aware of the risks and taking proactive measures, you can enjoy and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

The UV index can reach up to 17 at its peak radiation according to this BOM forecast from 2018. Note that the scale stops at 11+. Sun protection is recommended for levels exceeding 3.

Bush Fly hazards on Australian Solar farms

On solar farms, where workers are often exposed to the sun for long periods of time, bush flies can be a major nuisance. Not only can their constant buzzing and landing on workers' faces be distracting, but they can also pose a health risk.

Bush flies are known to carry and transmit diseases such as conjunctivitis, dysentery, and even typhoid fever. When they land on exposed food or surfaces that come into contact with workers, they can spread these diseases, putting workers at risk of illness.

 Australian Bushflies swarming a construction worker

Heat Stress hazards on Australian solar farms

What is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature in response to external heat. This can lead to a range of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In the context of Australian solar farms, where temperatures can soar during the summer months, the risk of heat stress is particularly high.

Australia's climate can be harsh, with temperatures soaring during the summer months up to 50C (122F). Workers on solar farms often face the challenge of working in high temperatures, which can pose health risks such as heat stress and dehydration. According to various news reports, workers on solar farms have sometimes experienced heat-related illnesses, prompting concerns about safety and the need for adequate measures to protect workers from extreme heat

Reducing hazards on solar farms.

The idea for Outback Mask was born on Bannerton Solar Farm in 2018. Developed in the extreme conditions of Australian solar farms, Outback Mask is the ultimate all-in-one solution for protection from heat stress, UV rays, bush flies, and dust hazards.

What makes the Outback Mask unique?

The Outback Mask stands out from other protective gear due to its innovative patented design that combines multiple protective features into one convenient product. It offers unparalleled protection against the harsh elements encountered in the Outback.

Protection from heat stress

With dual cooling cooling methods, the Outback Mask helps regulate body temperature in hot environments, reducing the risk of heat stress and exhaustion. 

Shielding from UV rays

The Outback Mask provides UPF 50+ sun protection, shielding the wearer's face and neck from harmful UV rays. This is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

Defense against bush flies

Outback Mask  keeps bush flies at bay, allowing the wearer to focus on their tasks without the nuisance of buzzing insects. 

Protection from dust hazards

The Outback Mask's comfortable fit with unique use of dust masks ensures that dust and debris are kept out, providing a clean and safe breathing environment. 

Overall, the Outback Mask offers comprehensive protection for individuals working in challenging environments, allowing them to stay safe, comfortable, and focused on their tasks. Its innovative design and high-quality materials make it a reliable choice for those seeking ultimate protection in the Outback.

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