Coroner's Finding: SALAGARAS Steven

56y · Male·effects of heat exhaustion

Steven Salagaras, a 56-year-old charity collector, died from heat exhaustion on 22 January 2006 after working in extreme heat (40.8°C) during a heatwave. He was observed appearing physically distressed while collecting donations, then fell down an embankment where his body was found the following day. The autopsy revealed kidney scarring, which may have exacerbated heat effects. He had an nearly empty water bottle and was inadequately dressed for extreme conditions. The coroner found that although the employer had advised against working in extreme heat, this advice was not mandatory. The case highlights the occupational health and safety failures in managing workers exposed to extreme temperature conditions without adequate protective measures, supervision, or mandatory safety policies. Key failures included lack of mandatory heat policies, inadequate monitoring of solo workers, and employment pressure to meet collection targets regardless of weather conditions.