SafeWork urges businesses to prioritise workplace safety this summer

SafeWork Urges Businesses to Prioritise Workplace Safety This Summer

As temperatures soar into the thirties statewide, SafeWork NSW is urging workers and employers alike to begin preparing for their safety during this summer's heat. Heat-related illness remains a genuine risk for outdoor and indoor teams across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, making early planning essential.

SafeWork emphasises the essential duty of employers to protect the safety of their workers. Safety is everyone's business, and the workplace safety regulator recommends that employers collaborate with health and safety representatives (HSR) and employees to establish a comprehensive workplace heat management plan, thereby promoting workplace safety for all during hot weather conditions.

Understanding UV Exposure Risk in Australia

Australia experiences the highest rate of skin cancer globally, with more than 95% of these cases attributed to sun exposure and UV radiation. This statistic underscores why businesses should start planning now, rather than waiting until conditions become dangerous.

For manufacturing sites and construction workplaces where staff spend extended periods outdoors, understanding this exposure risk forms a critical part of any heat management strategy. Employers in these industries face heightened obligations to monitor conditions and adjust work schedules accordingly.

What SafeWork NSW Recommends

Head of SafeWork Trent Curtin said that as temperatures rise, it's crucial for businesses and staff to discuss measures they will implement to protect everyone from heat-related health issues.

"We don't want to see anyone needing medical attention due to heat exposure this summer," he said.

"Workers are reminded to listen to their body when the temperature rises and to drink plenty of water. It is vital you do not replace water with soft drinks, energy drinks or coffee as these can dehydrate you further."

Key Steps for Managing Summer Heat Risk

Businesses across manufacturing, construction, and healthcare can reduce heat-related risk by taking these practical steps:

• Developing a heat management plan in consultation with HSRs and staff
• Scheduling demanding tasks during cooler parts of the day
• Providing accessible shade and adequate hydration stations
• Training supervisors to recognise early signs of heat stress among employees
• Reviewing risk assessments regularly as summer temperatures fluctuate

These measures align with broader safety obligations already familiar to businesses managing workplace safety rules across different sites and conditions.

Why This Matters for Safety Professionals

Heat exposure is not merely a seasonal inconvenience — it presents a genuine risk to worker health and productivity. Safety professionals in manufacturing and construction should treat summer planning with the same rigour applied to other occupational hazards.

This guidance follows similar seasonal safety pushes, including reminders for construction businesses to prioritise safety this holiday season and calls for farmers to prioritise safety around farm vehicles, reinforcing that workplace safety is everyone's business, regardless of industry.

The above article was initially published here.