Heat-Related Illness Policy
A heat-stress policy for Australian workplaces operating in hot environments - outdoor work, kitchens, manufacturing, mining.
Working in hot environments is one of the highest-risk activities in the Australian workplace. Heat-related illness ranges from heat rash and cramps through to heat stroke, which is potentially fatal.
This free template is written for Australian employers and aligns with SafeWork Australia's Guide for managing the risks of working in heat.
What this template covers
- The hazards of working in heat and contributing factors (temperature, humidity, workload, PPE, acclimatisation).
- Risk assessment principles and trigger temperatures.
- Hierarchy-of-control measures: scheduling, hydration, shade, rotation, PPE.
- First-aid response to heat-related illness.
- Worker, supervisor and officer responsibilities.
Why every Australian business needs one
In most parts of Australia, heat is a foreseeable hazard for at least part of the year. A documented policy showing how you manage that hazard is essential evidence of due diligence and is increasingly required in tender pre-qualification for outdoor work.
Download the editable Word template, set your trigger thresholds, and align it with your WHS policy and SWMS.
Disclaimer. This template is general information for Australian employers and is not legal advice. It is provided free of charge and “as is”. Review and adapt it for your industry, modern award or enterprise agreement, state or territory and workplace, and check that it is current, before issuing it. For complex, high-risk or contested matters seek advice from an employment lawyer or IR adviser. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we make no warranty that the template is accurate, complete, current or suitable for your purposes, and we accept no liability (including for negligence) for any loss arising from its use or any reliance on it. Nothing in this disclaimer excludes any right under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded.