Coroner's Finding: SALAGARAS Steven

Contributing factors

• exposure to extreme temperatures (40.8°C)
• prolonged work in extreme heat without mandatory restrictions
• inadequate hydration (nearly empty water bottle)
• insufficient protective clothing
• pre-existing kidney scarring that may have exacerbated heat effects
• lack of mandatory occupational health and safety policy regarding extreme weather
• inadequate supervision and monitoring of solo workers
• working in conditions despite employer advice (though advice was not mandatory)
• employment pressure to meet collection targets

Coroner's recommendations

1. That legislation be introduced to amend the Collections for Charitable Purposes Act 1939 to include provisions for occupational health, safety and welfare requirements for charitable collectors
2. That the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner include within the Code of Practice specific requirements for occupational health, safety and welfare of both paid and unpaid charitable collectors, including: (a) requirements governing collectors working in extreme temperature or extreme weather conditions; (b) requirements to ensure proper supervision of collectors including means to monitor whereabouts and welfare, and identifying circumstances when solo work is appropriate
3. That in devising health and safety requirements for collectors, the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner have regard to the measures implemented by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of South Australia following Mr Salagaras' death, including: mandatory heat policies (no work above 37°C), mobile phone requirements, daily check-in procedures, Non-Contact Procedures, hydration requirements (water intake every 30 minutes), and protective clothing requirements