Product Overview

This Working in Hot Conditions – Outdoors Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, assess, and control risks associated with working in high heat and direct sun on Australian worksites, helping you protect workers from heat-related illness. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of outdoor hot-weather work to support WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning outdoor work to minimise heat exposure, including scheduling, task rotation, and rest breaks
• Assessment of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and UV index before and during work
• Management of personal hydration, electrolyte replacement, and monitoring for signs of heat stress and heat stroke
• Selection and use of appropriate sun protection, including hats, long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Provision and management of shade structures, cool rest areas, and ventilation where practicable
• Safe work practices for physically demanding outdoor tasks performed in hot conditions
• Acclimatisation procedures for new or returning workers to reduce the risk of heat-related illness
• Emergency response to heat illness, including first aid, escalation, and communication with emergency services
• Use of mechanical aids and work methods that reduce physical exertion in hot environments
• Supervision, monitoring, and buddy systems to identify early signs of fatigue and heat-related symptoms
• Consultation, training, and instruction of workers on recognising and reporting heat stress risks
• Integration of hot weather controls into site-specific inductions, pre-starts, and toolbox talks

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for construction and civil contractors, landscaping and grounds maintenance crews, utilities and infrastructure workers, mining and resources personnel, and site supervisors responsible for managing teams working outdoors in hot conditions.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing a safe work environment, including thermal comfort and access to shade and drinking water
• Managing the Risk of Heat Stress in the Workplace (Safe Work Australia guidance material): Recommendations for identifying and controlling heat-related risks
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid provisions and response to heat-related medical emergencies
• Sun Protection in the Workplace (Cancer Council & Safe Work guidance): Best practice for managing UV exposure and sun safety for outdoor workers
• AS 1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment: Requirements for safety signage relating to heat, hydration, and sun protection
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017