Employers Alerted as Heatwave and Fire Danger Elevates WHS Risks

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe to extreme heatwave warning for all forecast districts, with maximum temperatures in the low to mid-40s expected across much of Victoria until Friday. In addition, a total fire ban has been declared for the Wimmera, South West and Central forecast districts for tomorrow, significantly increasing workplace health and safety risks.

WorkSafe Acting Chief Health and Safety Officer Adam Watson reminded employers that they have a legal duty under work health and safety laws to monitor workplace conditions and manage all reasonably foreseeable risks to health and safety, including those arising from extreme heat and bushfire conditions.

Mr Watson said employers should implement a clear, documented strategy tailored to their specific operations, outlining how heat and fire risks will be identified, controlled and reviewed. This is best supported by robust WHS management systems, safe work method statements (SWMS) for high-risk tasks, and comprehensive workplace policies and procedures. Employers seeking structured WHS documentation may consider dedicated WHS management systems such as those available at BlueSafe Online.

Mr Watson stressed the importance of worker training and consultation, noting that all workers should be educated on how to recognise signs of heat-related illness and fire hazards in both themselves and others. Clear reporting procedures, emergency response plans and first aid arrangements should be embedded into workplace WHS policies and regularly communicated.

Working in high temperatures can lead to a range of heat illnesses, including dehydration, heat rash, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Without prompt action to rest, hydrate and cool the body, these conditions can quickly escalate to heat stroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Mr Watson advised that, wherever practicable, employers should postpone outdoor work during periods of extreme heat and total fire ban, or reschedule tasks to cooler times of the day such as early morning or evening. Where work must proceed, employers should implement controls such as increased rest breaks in cool or shaded areas, provision of cool drinking water, job rotation to reduce physical exertion, and close supervision of at-risk workers.

He also emphasised that controls are necessary for indoor work, particularly in poorly ventilated or non-air-conditioned environments. Employers should limit strenuous tasks, ensure mechanical cooling or adequate ventilation, and allow regular breaks in a cooler space to reduce the risk of heat stress and fatigue.

Outdoor activities that may generate sparks or ignition sources, including welding, grinding and other hot works, must not be carried out in areas subject to a total fire ban. Such tasks should only proceed when permitted and strictly in line with relevant SWMS and fire safety procedures, including the use of fire watchers, appropriate firefighting equipment and hot work permits. Template SWMS to support safe planning of high-risk construction and maintenance activities are available at BlueSafe Online.

Employers and workers are encouraged to stay informed about changing conditions by regularly checking official emergency information channels, including the VicEmergency app and website, for heat, fire danger and incident updates across Victoria.

Media enquiries regarding workplace heat and fire safety can be directed to WorkSafe Victoria via email at media@worksafe.vic.gov.au or by phone on 0438 786 968.