Safe Work Australia creates new resources to help workplaces manage bushfire risk

Safe Work Australia has recently released a new information sheet to help PCBUs use the national fire danger rating and warning systems to assess and manage the potential risks of bushfires in the workplace. "If you are a PCBU, you must eliminate risks in the workplace, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable," Safe Work Australia stated. The safety agency said the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) and the Australian Warning System (AWS) have been implemented in all states and territories, giving businesses a consistent framework for compliance when preparing for bushfire season. This guidance builds on other resources the agency provides for PCBUs, including materials on managing WHS risks of working from home and support for helping injured employees return to work, reflecting a broader commitment to workplace compliance across various hazards. Employers seeking further compliance information should ensure their Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) account for bushfire-related hazards where relevant to site operations. For more information, visit the Safe Work Australia website.