NT WorkSafe has reported two incidents of heat-related illness involving two separate workers in the rural area, who were both hospitalised.

The first incident occurred during the NT’s first heatwave of the 2023 Build-up, when a 17-year-old apprentice had spent a full day working on a roof in the rural area. The apprentice was observed the following day acting in an “erratic” manner and making errors on site.

The apprentice saw a doctor over the weekend and was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with heat stroke.

Another heat-related illness occurred on October 14 when a 45-year-old seasonal worker from the Pacific Islands collapsed while picking mangoes in another Darwin rural area. The worker was treated for dehydration in hospital.

On October 10, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a heatwave warning to the public as extreme heatwave conditions were forecast for the following days in the areas where the two incidents took place.

NT WorkSafe said the human body needs to maintain around 37 degrees Celsius, and that working under the sun can prove to be dangerous when body temperature increases.

Illness caused by heat may include dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes – a serious heat-related illness that could lead to permanent disability or death if not treated immediately.

NT WorkSafe is urging workers and businesses to follow all the necessary precautions when working under the heat of the sun during the Build-up.