Construction workers forced to work through extreme heat are being put at risk of heart attack, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has warned.

Bill Oliver, CFMEU state secretary said that in December last year, there was an older member who suffered a heart attack in lesser heat than the 40 degrees weather, but it was believed to be heat related.

“We will not be allowing our members to be forced to assume these risks.” Oliver also refuted claims by the Master Builders that productivity was being affected by the heat wave.

“The MBA are signatory to Victoria’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, which shows clear support of our policy of ceasing work at 35 degrees. This is simply an opportunity for them to beat their chests.”

He said that such hot days like these, where work cannot be performed, due to weather, regardless of if it is rain, extreme winds or heat, are factored into the cost of all building projects.

“Considering we haven’t had a heat wave like this in over a hundred years, I’d say bosses have had a fairly good run on this front, but it doesn’t stop them from taking liberties.”

The CFMEU has received a number of reports during Melbourne’s heat wave from workers being forced to remain at work in 42 degree heat, and other sites that have been relocating to areas with faulty air-conditioning. “These employers are putting their workers at extreme risk, and are also breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the National Building Construction Industry Award and their Enterprise Bargaining Agreements,” said Oliver.

International Conventions also warn against undertaking heavy manual labour such as construction in extreme heat, due to the immediate risk to life.

“It is completely unreasonable to expect workers to be operating safely in 43 degree heat,” said Oliver.