Solar-Powered Hydration Stations Boost Workforce Safety and Productivity

Thermal stress and UV radiation present significant health and safety risks to rail maintenance crews, particularly during the extreme summer months. The remote nature of rail corridors compounds this exposure, as access to cold water, shaded rest areas, and electrolytes is often limited. Historically, hydration management relied on ad-hoc eskies or ice chests in vehicles, which provided inconsistent access and required manual replenishment, a system that struggled to meet the demands of harsh environments and mobile worksites.

The Solution: Solar-Powered Hydration Stations

To address this challenge, PRM has developed and deployed in-house designed, solar-powered Hydration Stations, a tailored innovation engineered to reduce the risk of heat-related illness across remote worksites. Each Hydration Station is fabricated using durable refrigeration panelling and includes:

• A solar-powered portable fridge to keep water and electrolyte solutions cold throughout the day.
• Built-in shelving for bulk water containers and first aid supplies, allowing for rapid response and replenishment.
• A compact and easily transportable design, enabling seamless relocation along track as works progress.

The Hydration Stations are manufactured locally by our team to suit the climatic and operational conditions of the Pilbara and similar regions, which provided:

• Continuous access to cold water and electrolytes throughout the shift
• Portable stations can be moved up track and repositioned as required
• Proactive, visible control that reinforces heat safety awareness

The Outcomes and Benefits

• Reduced thermal stress risk: Improved hydration management significantly reduces the likelihood of heat-related illness and supports sustained performance in hot conditions.
• Improved workforce wellbeing: Workers report increased comfort and a stronger sense of support from leadership.
• Increased productivity: Better hydration and more efficient rest periods result in fewer heat related disruptions and improved focus.
• Enhanced safety culture: The presence of the Hydration Stations serves as a physical reminder of the importance of thermal risk management and encourages peer-checking behaviours.
• Sustainability: The use of solar power eliminates the need for diesel generators or battery replacement, aligning with our commitment to lowimpact, sustainable solutions.