Working in extreme hot or cold temperatures

Working in very cold and very hot temperatures can pose risks to workers.

Feeling cold may cause significant discomfort and lead to hypothermia.

Extreme heat can impact people working in both indoor and outdoor workplaces and lead to heat stress.

PCBUs must manage the risks of working in extreme temperatures. All control measures must be regularly reviewed to ensure their effectiveness. All workers must be provided training on how to use the control measures provided to them.

Where needed, PCBUs should also consult with workers and their representatives, such as HSRs, when developing suitable systems to undertake:

• regular workplace environmental temperature risk monitoring (such as temperature, wind-chill and humidity), and
• formal workplace heat stress assessments by a suitably qualified occupational hygienist.

These details should also be included in your workplace heat management plan.

Information and training for workers

Suitable information and training must be provided to all workers – regardless of whether they work inside or outside, are full time, part-time, casual workers, shift workers, labour-hire workers, or contractors.

Ensure the information and training is understood by all workers – including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The training content should detail:

• what the heat management plan is for hot days, including any designated person with responsibility to monitor heat and humidity, especially when extreme heat is forecast
• how to identify temperature hazards and work safely, including the control measures in place and the safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• how to recognise warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illness in themselves or their co-workers; how to respond to them; and when to call for assistance, including what to do in an emergency
• how to report heat-related illness incidents
• how cold days will be managed, e.g. if there is additional PPE or heated spaces available
• any personal factors that may increase the risk of a heat-related illness or hypothermia (e.g. clothing, hydration, general health, physical fitness, pregnancy, use of some medications, drugs and alcohol). Workers should consult with their doctors for any health concerns, and
• not to replace drinking water with energy drinks, soft drinks or coffee.

You must provide the worker with information, training and instruction in the proper use and wearing of PPE and its storage and maintenance.

Acclimatisation

Acclimatisation is where a person becomes used to the conditions of the work environment and are able to regulate their body temperature more efficiently. Where possible, new workers should be given time to acclimatise to the conditions by gradually spending more time in the work environment. While some workers may be acclimatised and able to work in more extreme temperatures, it should not be relied on as a way to control risks of working in high or low temperatures.

For more information about working in extreme temperatures, visit the Safe Work Australia’s Working in heat page.