Staying safe during extreme heat

With high temperatures forecast across SA over the next few days both employers and workers must be aware of the dangers of heat and UV exposure. Employers have a duty of care to ensure they are not putting their workers’ health and safety at risk.

Unless specified in workplace employment agreements, WHS legislation does not set temperatures at which a worker may be sent home. Each workplace environment is different, and the onus is on the employer to manage any risks, in consultation with their workers.

If it is not possible to eliminate exposure to increased temperature, the risk of heat-related illness must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.