SafeWork issues hot weather safety warning

SafeWork issues hot weather safety warning as South Australia braces for a run of high temperatures over the coming days, with SafeWork SA alerting employers to the need for enforcing their hot weather policy or taking appropriate action to protect workers from heat-related risk.

What's Driving the Warning?

Forecasts show several parts of the state will experience heatwave conditions over the weekend, extending into next week. SafeWork SA is calling on employers to review workplace operations or establish supplementary provisions where necessary to keep workers safe and reduce hazardous exposure.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said workplaces carry responsibility for ensuring the safety of staff and contractors during periods of excessive heat.

"One of the most critical things businesses and employers can do is consider how they can re-arrange work activities, to best protect their workers," he said.

Why Employers Must Act Now

High temperatures can lead to serious health issues if left unmanaged. Fatigued staff, feeling hot, weak, or unwell, face greater risk of illness and injury on site.

Employers urged to enact their hot weather policy should treat this warning as a prompt to review current arrangements rather than wait until conditions worsen. A well-structured Hot Conditions Safety Policy gives businesses a documented, practical way to manage extreme temperatures and support staff wellbeing.

Practical Steps for Managing Heat Risk

• Reschedule outdoor or hazardous tasks to cooler parts of the day
• Provide accessible shade, rest areas, and drinking water
• Monitor staff for signs of heat illnesses throughout shifts
• Adjust workloads or rotate duties during extreme temperatures
• Review emergency procedures for heat-related incidents

This isn't the first time SafeWork SA has flagged extreme weather risk. Businesses can review previous guidance in our coverage of SafeWork SA's heatwave warning to employers for additional context on how regulators expect businesses to respond.

Building a Stronger Safety Culture

Heat isn't the only hazard demanding attention this season. SafeWork SA has also issued warnings following incidents such as those covered in our scaffolding collapse safety warning and after a worker's hand was injured in a conveyor belt, detailed in our report on SafeWork SA's safety warning after a conveyor belt injury.

Businesses aiming to strengthen their overall approach can pair heat management with broader systems, such as safety software for tracking hazards and incidents, alongside supporting policies like an Electrical Safety Policy or an Electrical Safety Checklist for related workplace hazards.

For further information on preparing documentation suited to your operations, visit our support page for guidance on selecting the right templates.

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