Key points
- There is no single stop work temperature in Australia, the business must eliminate or minimise heat risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Start with the higher controls, such as rescheduling hot tasks to cooler times, shade, air movement and air conditioning.
- Cool drinking water, rest in a cooler area, breathable light clothing and sun protection support those controls.
- Acclimatisation is not a control to rely on, and new or returning workers are at higher risk.
This guide covers how to manage heat risks for crews working outdoors or in hot indoor areas such as roof spaces, kitchens and laundries. It is written for supervisors, safety officers and business owners preparing for summer conditions.
Heat-related illness can be life threatening if left untreated and it can happen indoors as well as outdoors. The guide follows the hierarchy of controls and points to the products that support each level.
Is there a maximum temperature for work?
There is no single stop work temperature in Australia because many factors make working in heat hazardous. A single temperature cannot account for air temperature, humidity, air movement, radiant heat, work intensity, clothing and worker fitness all at once. The business must eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. This may mean cancelling or rescheduling tasks until conditions are cooler.
Under the model Work Health and Safety laws used in most states and territories, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act in Victoria, the business must manage risks. Where PPE is used to control a risk, the business generally has to provide it, make sure it is suitable and fits, maintain it and train workers to use it. Workers have to use the PPE they are given as instructed.
What makes working in heat risky?
Air temperature, humidity, air movement and radiant heat from the sun or hot surfaces all contribute to heat stress. The physical demands of the task, the clothing and PPE worn, and whether workers are fit and acclimatised change the risk for each person. Heatwaves bring high temperatures earlier in the day and lasting longer, increasing exposure. Indoor heat in commercial kitchens, laundries and roof cavities can be just as hazardous as outdoor work.
A heatwave is when the maximum and minimum temperatures are unusually hot over at least three days. Supervisors should monitor forecasts and adjust work plans daily.
How do you control heat risks?
The hierarchy of controls ranks controls from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, then PPE. PPE is the last line of defence and is used with other controls. Apply the hierarchy to heat by removing the hazard first, then reducing exposure, then protecting the worker.
| Control level | Example for working in heat |
|---|---|
| Eliminate | Cancel outdoor work when temperatures are high |
| Engineering | Shade tents outdoors, fans, air conditioners or evaporative coolers indoors |
| Administrative | Schedule physical tasks for cooler parts of the day, rest breaks, training |
| PPE and clothing | Breathable and light clothing, sun protection, cooling gear |
Use several controls together and review them as conditions change.
How do you plan work for hot days?
Check the forecast each morning and plan the day around the coolest periods. Schedule physical tasks and work in hot places such as roof cavities for early morning or late afternoon. Rotate tasks between workers to limit individual exposure. Plan more frequent rest breaks and have a specific plan for heatwave conditions that includes the option to stop work.
A heatwave plan should identify trigger points for extra controls, such as additional breaks, mandatory shade, or postponing non critical work. Communicate the plan at the pre start meeting so every crew member knows what to expect.
How do you keep workers hydrated?
Cool fresh drinking water must be close to the work area so workers do not have to leave the task to find it. Drink coolers and refillable bottles make water accessible throughout the shift. Remind workers to drink regularly rather than waiting until they are thirsty. Electrolyte options are on many site lists, check the listing for what each product is.
A Thorzt 5L Drink Cooler - Blue keeps water cool on site. Thorzt Mixed Flavour Icy Poles - Pack of 10 x 90ml are another cold option for break times.
Do shade and rest breaks matter?
Shade tents outdoors reduce radiant heat from the sun. Indoors, fans, air conditioners or evaporative coolers increase air movement and lower the effective temperature. Rest breaks in a cooler area let the body recover. Increase the number and length of breaks when conditions get hotter or more humid or the work is very physical.
A rest area should be genuinely cooler than the work area, not just a shaded spot that is still hot. Where possible, provide seating and cool water in the rest area so workers actually stop and recover.
What clothing and cooling gear helps?
Breathable and light clothing reduces the insulation layer that traps heat. Cooling headbands, neck scarves, hats and helmet neck shades are made to help keep the head and neck cooler. Cooling gear supports but does not replace the higher controls such as shade, scheduling and hydration.
A Portwest Cooling Helmet Neck Shade CV26SGR is an example of a helmet neck shade in the range. Check the listing for how each item is activated and used.
How do you protect workers from the sun?
Outdoor workers need sun protection as well as heat controls. SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide brim hats or helmet brims and neck shades, and long sleeves reduce UV exposure. Shade structures and sunscreen dispensers at site entries make protection easy to access. Some sunscreen listings state AS/NZS 2604.
A Maxisafe SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion SMB650-50 is an example of a sunscreen in the range. Place dispensers at entry points and in crib rooms to encourage reapplication.
Why is acclimatisation not enough?
Acclimatisation means the body is starting to adapt to heat. It is different for every person and should not be relied on as a control measure. Acclimatisation programs are best run with a professional such as an occupational hygienist. New workers and those returning after a week or more away are at higher risk. Ease them in with extra breaks and lighter tasks for the first few days.
Do not assume a worker who handled heat last summer is ready for the first hot day this year. Fitness and acclimatisation affect how each person copes with heat. Supervisors should check in with each worker at the start of the shift.
How do you spot heat-related illness?
Heat-related illness is progressive and can be life threatening if left untreated. Train supervisors and workers to recognise the common symptoms so first aid is given promptly. Use a buddy system so workers watch each other for changes in behaviour or condition. Follow the first aid guidance from Safe Work Australia and get medical help when needed.
Early action prevents escalation. If a worker shows signs of heat-related illness, follow the first aid guidance and get medical help when needed. Do not send them back to the hot task until they have recovered.
How do you stock up for summer?
A summer kit per crew should include a drink cooler, refillable bottles, sunscreen, cooling gear, a shade structure and a first aid kit. Check stock before the hot months so there are no gaps when demand peaks. Use the trade buying page for pathways to quick order by SKU, request a product quote, sign in to a customer account to see orders and account details, and a trade account application enquiry. The quick order by SKU page lets you enter SKUs and quantities, paste a list of SKU and quantity pairs or import a CSV, then add the exact matches to the cart in one step. For larger orders, use the request a quote form to list product names or SKUs and quantities, a required by date, delivery or pickup preference and postcode.
Planning ahead avoids last minute shortages. Review last summer's usage to set minimum quantities for each item.
Frequently asked questions
Do workers have to stop at a certain temperature?
No single temperature requires work to stop. The business must manage the risk based on all the factors that make working in heat hazardous. This may mean cancelling or rescheduling certain work tasks until conditions are cooler.
Is heat stress only an outdoor problem?
No. Indoor work with high heat and humidity such as commercial kitchens, laundries and roof cavities can cause heat-related illness. The same hierarchy of controls applies indoors.
Do cooling vests or neck scarves replace shade and breaks?
No. They support the higher controls such as scheduling, shade, air movement and hydration. They do not replace them.
What should be in a summer site kit?
A drink cooler, refillable bottles, SPF 50+ sunscreen, cooling headbands or neck scarves, a shade tent or structure, and a first aid kit. Check stock before summer starts.
Who is most at risk?
Workers not acclimatised to heat, workers returning after a week or more away, and those doing very physical work in hot conditions are at higher risk. Ease them in with extra breaks and lighter tasks.
Call 1300 078 277 or visit the contact page to discuss your summer safety needs.
Shop heat stress and sun protection
- Heat stress and hydration productsdrink coolers, icy poles and cooling gear
- Sunscreen and sun protectionSPF 50+ sunscreen and wall brackets
- Drink bottles, coolers and crib bagsrefillable bottles, insulated coolers and crib bags for site
- Head protection and accessorieshard hats and accessories
Related guides
- Workplace Safety Checklist for Australian Businesseseight areas to check on a worksite
- PPE in Australia: A Complete Guide for Workplacestypes of PPE and how to choose them
- Hi-vis clothing guideAS/NZS 4602.1 classes for day and night work
Sources
- Safe Work Australia, Working in heat: frequently asked questions.
- Safe Work Australia, First aid for heat-related illness.
