Good morning everyone.

Today I'd like to talk about heat stress, hydration and why it matters, even when we're working inside the store.

Because we work in air conditioning, it's easy to think heat stress isn't something we need to worry about. The reality is that many people become dehydrated or heat stressed before they even arrive at work.

Living in Karratha, it's common to spend time outdoors fishing, boating, playing sport, working around the house or simply driving around in the heat. If you don't replace the fluids you've lost, you can arrive at work already dehydrated.

Once you're dehydrated, it becomes harder to concentrate, you can become tired, develop headaches, feel dizzy or irritable, and you're more likely to make mistakes or have an accident.

Heat stress doesn't just affect your health – it affects your ability to work safely.

One of the easiest ways to stay ahead of dehydration is to drink water regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

To help with this, we provide filtered cold drinking water for everyone. Please use it and keep your water bottle topped up throughout your shift.

You'll also notice the urine colour chart in the staff toilets. It's a simple guide that helps you check whether you're drinking enough water. Pale straw-coloured urine is generally a good sign you're well hydrated, while darker urine is a sign you probably need to increase your fluid intake.

We also keep Quenchers in the freezer for staff. These can be useful after you've been working or spending time in the heat, but remember they're designed to supplement good hydration, not replace water. They also contain electrolytes and sugars, so they should be enjoyed in moderation rather than being your main drink throughout the day.

It's also important to look out for each other.

If you notice a teammate looking unusually flushed, tired, dizzy, confused or generally not themselves, check in with them. Encourage them to have some water, move somewhere cool and let a manager know if you're concerned.

Likewise, if you're feeling unwell yourself, don't try to push through it. Let your manager know early so we can help before the situation becomes more serious.

Remember, working safely starts before you clock on. Staying hydrated, especially in our climate, is one of the simplest things we can do to protect ourselves and each other.

Thanks everyone, and remember—drink plenty of water, look out for your teammates and don't ignore the early signs of dehydration or heat stress.