SafeWork launches campaign to protect retail workers from extreme heat

SafeWork SA Launches Campaign to Protect Retail Workers From Extreme Heat

SafeWork SA will launch a campaign this summer aimed at ensuring the safety of retail workers against risks posed by extreme temperatures. The retail proactive compliance campaign forms part of a broader push to keep shop floors safe during peak trading months.

Over 100 retail establishments will undergo audits throughout the campaign to verify compliance and inform both employers and employees about risks associated with working in high-temperature environments.

Focus Areas: Dehydration, UV Radiation and Heat-Induced Fatigue

SafeWork SA says the campaign will prioritise implementation of safe work procedures to lessen risks tied to three principal causes of heat stress:

• Dehydration
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Fatigue induced by excessive heat

These controls give retail employers a practical starting point for managing heat-related health hazards on the shop floor, particularly during extreme heat events when temperatures climb well above comfortable working conditions.

Why Retail Workers Face Increased Risk in Summer

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said while summer months are peak season for many retailers, they also lead to increased risk of heat stress for their workforce. Workers stationed near loading docks, storerooms without adequate ventilation, or shopfronts exposed to direct sun face particular risk during heatwave conditions.

Retailers can strengthen their approach by reviewing safety obligations alongside guidance such as NT WorkSafe's advice on protecting workers from extreme heat, which outlines similar hazard controls for businesses operating in hot climates.

Supporting Tools for Retail Employers

Businesses seeking practical tools to manage heat stress risk should consider pairing SafeWork SA's campaign guidance with tailored management resources, including an OHS/WHS management system built for retail outlets. Health and safety documentation designed specifically for retail settings helps translate campaign messaging into everyday practice.

Employers unsure whether a task requires formal documentation can also review guidance on when a Safe Work Method Statement is required, particularly for outdoor tasks performed during extreme heat.

Broader Context: Heat Safety Across Australian Jurisdictions

SafeWork SA's initiative echoes similar efforts nationwide. NT WorkSafe has repeatedly reminded employers to protect workers from heat-related illnesses, while NSW has launched a campaign to protect outdoor workers from skin cancer — another consequence of prolonged sun exposure during hot weather.

Together, these campaigns reflect growing recognition that heat stress management deserves the same rigour as other occupational health priorities, regardless of jurisdiction.

Read more here.