Product Overview

Summary: This Hazardous Weather Conditions Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from severe weather events in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses protect workers, maintain critical operations, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation when conditions rapidly deteriorate due to heat, storms, high winds, flooding, or bushfire smoke.

Australian workplaces are increasingly exposed to extreme and unpredictable weather, from heatwaves and severe thunderstorms to high winds, flooding, and bushfire smoke. Without a structured approach, decisions about stopping work, sending people home, or modifying tasks can be ad hoc and inconsistent, exposing workers to unnecessary risk and businesses to potential liability. This Hazardous Weather Conditions Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, defensible system for monitoring conditions, assessing risk, and implementing timely control measures that align with WHS duties and recognised best practice.

The procedure defines clear trigger points for different types of hazardous weather, outlines who has authority to make decisions, and specifies exactly what must occur before, during, and after an event. It addresses outdoor and partially enclosed work, remote and isolated work, vehicle and plant operations, and site security. By adopting this SOP, organisations establish a consistent, documented response to hazardous weather that supports worker safety, reduces confusion, and minimises disruption to critical operations while demonstrating compliance with Australian WHS legislation and guidance.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, defensible process for suspending, modifying, or continuing work during hazardous weather.
• Reduce the risk of weather-related injuries, illnesses, and incidents for outdoor and mobile workforces.
• Strengthen WHS compliance by documenting clear responsibilities, decision thresholds, and control measures aligned with Australian guidance.
• Improve operational resilience by planning for business continuity before, during, and after severe weather events.
• Enhance communication and worker confidence through clear, pre-agreed protocols for alerts, evacuations, and stand-down decisions.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Operations Managers
• Facilities and Property Managers
• Civil and Mining Supervisors
• Event and Venue Managers
• Local Government Works Coordinators
• Transport and Logistics Managers
• Agricultural and Horticultural Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Heat stress, dehydration, and heat stroke during high temperatures and heatwaves
• Cold stress and hypothermia during prolonged exposure to low temperatures and wind chill
• Slips, trips, and falls on wet, muddy, or flooded surfaces
• Being struck by flying or falling objects during high winds and storms
• Vehicle and mobile plant accidents due to reduced visibility, heavy rain, or surface water
• Electrocution risks from lightning, downed power lines, or damaged electrical infrastructure
• Respiratory irritation and illness from bushfire smoke and poor air quality
• Drowning and entrapment hazards associated with flash flooding and rising water
• Structural instability or collapse of temporary structures, scaffolds, and hoardings in severe weather
• Reduced visibility and navigation hazards for workers in remote or isolated locations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Hazardous Weather (heat, storms, high winds, flooding, bushfire smoke, low temperatures)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authority to Act
• 4.0 Weather Monitoring and Early Warning Systems
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Trigger Levels for Hazardous Weather
• 6.0 General Control Measures for Hazardous Weather Conditions
• 7.0 Specific Procedures – Extreme Heat and UV Exposure
• 8.0 Specific Procedures – Severe Storms, Lightning and Heavy Rain
• 9.0 Specific Procedures – High Winds and Temporary Structures
• 10.0 Specific Procedures – Flooding and Water Ingress
• 11.0 Specific Procedures – Bushfire Smoke and Air Quality
• 12.0 Procedures for Remote and Isolated Work During Hazardous Weather
• 13.0 Vehicle and Mobile Plant Operations in Adverse Conditions
• 14.0 Site Securing, Evacuation and Stand-Down Protocols
• 15.0 Communication, Alerts and Worker Consultation
• 16.0 PPE, Clothing and Equipment Requirements
• 17.0 First Aid, Health Monitoring and Incident Response
• 18.0 Business Continuity, Recovery and Return-to-Work After Events
• 19.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 20.0 Documentation, Records and Review of Procedure Effectiveness

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Working in Heat
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3100: Approval and test specification – General requirements for electrical equipment (for storm and water ingress risks)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities