Bosses urged to keep Qld workers cool

Queensland employers are being urged to do more to protect workers from heat stress.

The state has already endured a week-long heatwave this summer and many more hot days are predicted.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland head Dr Simon Blackwood says a heat-stress tool has been installed on their website to help employers gauge when employees are at risk.

"Employers must provide their workers with heat and sun protection as well as general sun safety tips," Mr Blackwood said.

"However employees should also speak up if they are concerned that they're working in an unsafe, hot environment."

A number of factors including the temperature are taken into account by the tool, including carrying out strenuous tasks for sustained periods, exposure to additional heat from machinery and inappropriate clothing.