Product Overview

Summary: This Weather Preparedness and Contingency SOP sets out a clear, practical framework for preparing your workplace for severe weather and responding safely when conditions deteriorate. It helps Australian businesses protect workers, assets and operations from storms, heatwaves, heavy rain, high winds, bushfire smoke and other weather-related hazards, while maintaining compliance with WHS obligations.

Australian workplaces are increasingly exposed to extreme and unpredictable weather, from intense heatwaves and severe storms to heavy rainfall, flooding and hazardous bushfire smoke. Without a structured approach, these events can result in serious injuries, property damage, unplanned shutdowns and non-compliance with WHS legislation. This Weather Preparedness and Contingency Safe Operating Procedure provides a comprehensive, step-by-step system for monitoring weather conditions, triggering timely controls, and managing safe operations before, during and after adverse weather events.

The SOP aligns with Australian WHS duties and integrates practical controls tailored to local conditions, including UV and heat stress management, lightning risk, high-wind shutdown thresholds, temporary structure stability, and safe evacuation or stand-down decisions. It supports businesses to plan ahead with clear weather action plans, communication protocols, and contingency arrangements for critical tasks and equipment. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, protect their people, and maintain continuity of operations when weather conditions rapidly change.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, defensible process for managing work during severe weather in line with Australian WHS laws.
• Reduce the risk of weather-related injuries, incidents and property damage across sites and projects.
• Improve decision-making with clear weather triggers, escalation paths and shutdown criteria.
• Strengthen business continuity by planning contingencies for critical operations, equipment and supply chains.
• Enhance worker confidence and engagement through clear communication, training and preparedness measures.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Depot and Warehouse Managers
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• Event and Venue Managers
• Farm and Station Managers
• Local Government Works Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Heat stress, dehydration and heat-related illness during hot weather and heatwaves
• UV exposure leading to sunburn and long-term skin cancer risk for outdoor workers
• Slips, trips and falls caused by wet, muddy or flooded surfaces
• High-wind hazards including flying debris, falling objects and unstable temporary structures or scaffolds
• Electrical hazards from lightning, damaged overhead lines and water ingress into electrical equipment
• Reduced visibility and respiratory irritation from dust storms or bushfire smoke
• Vehicle and mobile plant incidents in heavy rain, strong winds, fog or low visibility conditions
• Structural failure or collapse of tents, marquees, hoardings, signage and temporary fencing during storms
• Cold stress and hypothermia risks in prolonged cold, wet or windy conditions
• Drowning or entrapment risks near flooded excavations, drains, culverts and waterways

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Weather Categories
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation
• 4.0 Weather Monitoring and Information Sources (BOM, local alerts, emergency services)
• 5.0 Risk Assessment for Weather-Related Hazards
• 6.0 Weather Triggers, Alert Levels and Escalation Process
• 7.0 Controls for Hot Weather, UV Exposure and Heat Stress
• 8.0 Controls for Storms, Heavy Rain, Lightning and Flooding
• 9.0 Controls for High Winds, Temporary Structures and Working at Height
• 10.0 Controls for Cold, Wet and Low-Visibility Conditions
• 11.0 Bushfire Smoke, Dust Storms and Air Quality Management
• 12.0 Site Preparation and Housekeeping Before Predicted Severe Weather
• 13.0 Operational Changes, Stand-Down and Shutdown Procedures
• 14.0 Emergency Response, Evacuation and Rescue Considerations
• 15.0 Communication, Training and Toolbox Talks
• 16.0 Protection of Plant, Equipment and Critical Infrastructure
• 17.0 Post-Event Inspection, Re-Entry and Return-to-Work Criteria
• 18.0 Documentation, Recordkeeping and Incident Reporting
• 19.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and Lessons Learned

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 – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities (guidance on extreme heat and UV exposure)
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Working in Heat
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Working in the Vicinity of Overhead and Underground Electric Lines
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work: Code of Practice (for outdoor and high-risk construction activities)
• AS/NZS 3100: Approval and test specification – General requirements for electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines