Working in hot weather can be dangerous. Heat can cause dehydration, heat stress, and heat stroke – a life-threatening medical emergency.

Hot weather is regular across Australia and is not just limited to the summer months.

There is no specified ‘stop work’ temperature in the model WHS laws, any person conducting a business or undertaking must (PCBU), must work to eliminate or minimise risks so far is reasonably practicable. This may include canceling or rescheduling certain work tasks until conditions are cooler.

When working during the heat consider:

• Plan jobs for cooler parts of the day.
• Manage work and rest period cycles so workers do not overheat and can recover properly when exposed to heat and/or physical tasks.
• Ensure workers have appropriate hydration and cooling resources available like water and shade.
• Ensure sun protection is used when working outside including long clothing, sunscreen and hats.
• Understand and acknowledge workers may not be able to work safely as quickly or as much as they can during the cooler months.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW ME SAFETY CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS

Everyone in the workplace has a duty when working in the heat. This includes the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, company directors, workers, and other persons at the workplace.

Monitor the Bureau of Meteorology’s Heatwave Service.

SafeWork Australia has a range of resources on managing heat in the workplace and first aid for heat-related illnesses.