Approximately 25% of Australia’s workforce are employed in jobs that may require working outdoors for at least some of the time. Recent bushfires, smoke and heavy rain, prompted us to review employers responsibilities for working in bad weather.
Working in Bad Weather – Recent erractic Australian weather including bushfires, storms, torrential rain, etc should be a reminded of the importance of workplace safety. If your business has employees who work outside, they are at risk of exposure to bad weather conditions including smoke, air pollution, storms, wind, rain & lightning.
Your workplace must have safety measures in place to manage risks to your employees health & safety resulting from bad weather. Examples of safety measure to mitigate workign in bad weather risks include:
- having employees work indoors (where possible)
- postpone outside work
- provide workers access to shelter
- securing structures & objects
- turning power off
- providing protective equipment for example eye protection
According to Safe Work Australia Eliminating exposure to bad weather is the best protection.
Need help? Contact us to get support or advice.
Further information:
Source: Safe Work Australia
Title: Managing the work environment and facilities -Code of Practice
Read Time: 10+ minutes
Source: Fairwork
Title: Pay during inclement weather & stand down
Read Time: 2 minutes