Extreme heat can be dangerous, even life-threatening for workers exposed to high temperatures, humidity, and poor ventilation. Whether working outdoors under the scorching sun or indoors in heat-generating environments, excessive heat can lead to serious health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. When left unchecked, these conditions not only endanger worker safety but also impact productivity, morale, and overall workplace efficiency.

Employers cannot afford to ignore heat risks. Under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure that workers are protected from heat-related hazards. Failing to do so can lead to:

Severe health consequences – Prolonged heat exposure can cause fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and in extreme cases, organ failure or death.
Legal repercussions – Employers who neglect heat safety measures risk penalties, fines, and liability claims if workers suffer from heat-related illnesses on the job.
Reduced productivity – Overheated workers experience slower reaction times, reduced focus, and increased accident risks, all of which affect workplace performance.

In this guide, we’ll walk through a heat safety checklist for employers, adapted from Safe Work Australia’s best practices, covering risk assessments, cooling strategies, hydration policies, PPE recommendations, and emergency response plans.

Step 1: Identifying and assessing heat risks

Before effective heat management strategies can be put in place, employers must first identify the specific heat-related risks within their workplace. Whether work is carried out outdoors in direct sunlight or indoors near heat-generating equipment, the risks vary depending on factors like temperature, humidity, ventilation, and workload intensity.

Conducting a thorough heat risk assessment ensures that potential dangers are recognised early so that preventative measures can be put in place before temperatures reach hazardous levels.

✅ Heat Risk Assessment checklist for employers

☐ Monitor workplace temperature and conditions

Regularly check temperatures in both outdoor and indoor work areas.
Assess the impact of humidity, poor ventilation, and heat-reflecting surfaces.
Identify high-risk times of the day when temperatures peak (typically between 10 AM and 3 PM).

☐ Assess the physical demands of job tasks

Identify tasks that require heavy physical effort, prolonged exposure to heat, or use of protective clothing that may trap heat.
Consider adjusting work schedules or rotating tasks to minimise heat stress.

☐ Identify high-risk workers

Some workers are more vulnerable to heat stress than others, including:
- Outdoor workers (construction, agriculture, roadwork).
- Workers in confined, poorly ventilated spaces (factories, warehouses, kitchens).
- Workers with pre-existing health conditions (heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory issues).
- New or unacclimatised workers who are not yet used to working in extreme heat.

☐ Monitor weather forecasts for extreme hear warnings

Stay updated on heatwave alerts from official sources such as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
Plan ahead for high-temperature days by adjusting work schedules, hydration breaks, and PPE requirements.

☐ Check indoor work areas for heat hazards

Assess ventilation – Poor airflow can trap heat, increasing discomfort and risk.
Identify heat-generating equipment – Machinery, ovens, furnaces, and industrial equipment can raise ambient temperatures significantly.
Measure humidity levels – High humidity prevents the body from cooling down efficiently, making heat stress more likely.

☐ Consult workers about on-the-ground heat challenges

Workers experience heat stress firsthand—their input is invaluable in identifying problem areas and adjusting safety measures.
Encourage open communication, allowing workers to report heat-related concerns without hesitation.

☐ Use heat stress calculators to evaluate risk levels

Heat stress calculators, such as the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Index, help assess environmental and physiological heat stress levels in the workplace.
Employers can use these tools to determine whether additional cooling measures, hydration breaks, or work schedule adjustments are required.

What employers should do next

Document the findings from the heat risk assessment and review them regularly, especially before and during the summer months.
Develop a heat management plan based on the identified risks, ensuring that all workers and supervisors are informed and trained on heat-related hazards.
Take proactive steps to reduce exposure—whether it’s modifying work schedules, improving ventilation, or providing access to cooling solutions.

Step 2: Controlling heat exposure in the workplace

Once heat risks have been identified, the next step is to put controls in place to minimise workers' exposure to extreme heat.

✅ Heat Exposure Control checklist for employers

☐ Provide shaded rest areas or air-conditioned break rooms

Workers should have cool, shaded areas to take breaks, especially during extreme heat.
Outdoor worksites should include temporary shelters, tents, or cooling stations.
For indoor workspaces, ensure that break rooms are air-conditioned or have fans to help lower body temperature.

☐ Adjust work schedules to avoid peak heat hours (10 AM - 3 PM)

Schedule heavy physical tasks for the cooler hours of the day (early mornings or late afternoons).
Where possible, rotate tasks so no worker is exposed to extreme heat for prolonged periods.
Implement longer or more frequent breaks during high-temperature days to prevent heat stress buildup.

☐ Reduce exposure to heat-generating equipment

Identify and reposition workstations to keep workers away from heat-emitting machinery.
Improve ventilation in enclosed areas to help dissipate hot air and reduce heat accumulation.
Install cooling fans, exhaust vents, or insulation barriers to limit heat buildup.

☐ Ensure workers have regular hydration breaks

Encourage workers to drink water every 15-20 minutes, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
Place water stations close to work areas to make hydration easily accessible.
Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration.

☐ Encourage workers to wear lightweight, breathable clothing

Workers should wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics.
Encourage the use of wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective clothing, and moisture-wicking materials.
Modify PPE requirements where possible—heat-trapping protective gear can worsen heat stress.

Step 3: Ensuring proper hydration and nutrition

One of the most critical defences against heat stress is staying hydrated. When working in extreme heat, the body loses fluids rapidly through sweat, leading to dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and in severe cases, heat stroke. Without adequate hydration, workers’ cognitive function, coordination, and overall physical endurance decline, increasing the risk of workplace accidents and heat-related illnesses.

✅ Hydration & Nutrition checklist for employers

☐ Provide clean, cool drinking water near workstations

Hydration stations should be easily accessible so workers don’t have to walk long distances to get a drink.
Water should be cool (not ice-cold) to encourage frequent sipping without causing stomach cramps.
Ensure there is enough water supply for all workers throughout the shift.

☐ Encourage workers to drink water frequently

Educate workers to drink water regularly—every 15-20 minutes, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
Implement a buddy system where workers remind each other to stay hydrated.
Provide reusable water bottles or hydration packs for on-the-go drinking.

☐ Educate workers about hydration best practices

Train employees on the early signs of dehydration.
Encourage pre-hydration—drinking water before a shift starts helps reduce early dehydration risks.
Teach workers to recognise heat stress symptoms in themselves and colleagues.

☐ Discourage excessive consumption of caffeinated or sugary drinks

Drinks like coffee, soft drinks, and energy drinks may seem refreshing but can actually increase dehydration.
Encourage water over sugary beverages, which can cause energy crashes and worsen heat fatigue.
Offer healthier hydration alternatives such as electrolyte drinks or coconut water on high-heat days.

Step 4: Providing heat-safe Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for worker safety, but in extreme heat conditions, heavy, non-breathable gear can increase the risk of heat stress. Many traditional forms of PPE trap heat and sweat, making it harder for the body to cool down. Employers must carefully select PPE that provides necessary protection while also allowing heat dissipation, ensuring that workers remain safe, comfortable, and productive.

✅ Heat-Safe PPE checklist for employers

☐ Ensure PPE is lightweight and breathable

Choose moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics that allow air circulation.
Replace heavy, heat-trapping materials with lightweight, UV-protective alternatives.
Avoid dark-coloured PPE as it absorbs heat faster than lighter shades.

☐ Provide wide-brimmed hats, cooling vests, and uv-protective clothing

Workers exposed to direct sun should wear wide-brimmed hats or hard hats with neck flaps to reduce sun exposure.
Cooling vests with gel packs or evaporative cooling technology help maintain lower body temperatures.
UV-protective clothing shields workers from harmful sun rays while remaining breathable.

☐ Encourage the use of light-coloured, moisture-wicking uniforms

Opt for high-visibility workwear made from heat-resistant, moisture-wicking fabrics.
Loose-fitting, lightweight uniforms allow better airflow and sweat evaporation.
Consider adjusting uniform requirements to suit seasonal temperature changes.

☐ Allow workers to remove non-essential layers in excessive heat

Assess whether certain PPE layers are unnecessary for specific tasks in extreme heat.
Provide PPE alternatives like ventilated safety helmets, mesh vests, or arm sleeves instead of full-coverage suits.
Implement cool-down breaks where workers can remove heavy PPE in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Step 5: Training workers on heat safety & first aid

Preventing heat-related illnesses doesn’t stop at hydration and PPE—education and training are just as critical. Workers and supervisors must be able to recognise the early signs of heat stress and know exactly how to respond in an emergency.

✅ Heat Safety & First Aid Training Checklist for Employers

☐ Train workers on signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses

Workers should be able to identify early symptoms of heat stress, including:
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
Recognising these signs early allows for immediate action before the condition worsens.

☐ Conduct heat emergency response drills

Simulating heat-related medical emergencies allows workers to respond quickly and correctly if an incident occurs.
Train workers how to assist colleagues in distress, including helping them cool down and calling for medical help if needed.
Ensure workers understand how to move an overheated worker to a shaded area and apply cooling measures before medical professionals arrive.

☐ Ensure supervisors are trained in heat stress first aid

Supervisors should be equipped with first aid skills to respond to heat-related emergencies effectively.
Training should cover:
- How to distinguish between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Administering first aid, including cold compresses, hydration, and emergency procedures.
- When to stop work due to excessive heat risk.

If heat stroke is suspected: Call emergency services (000 in Australia) immediately—this is a medical emergency.

Step 6: Compliance with WHS regulations

Heat-related illnesses are a legal obligation under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. Employers have a duty of care to identify, assess, and control heat-related risks to protect workers from illness, injury, or even fatal outcomes. To ensure compliance with Safe Work Australia’s guidelines and state-specific workplace safety laws, employers must regularly assess their heat risk management strategies and update them as needed.

✅ WHS Heat Safety Compliance checklist for employers

☐ Follow Safe Work Australia’s Guidelines for Managing Heat Risks

Ensure that all heat-related hazards are assessed and documented as part of the workplace safety plan.
Implement a heat risk management policy that includes preventative measures, emergency responses, and training protocols.

☐ Ensure compliance with State-Specific Workplace Heat Safety Laws

WHS regulations vary by state, and some industries may have additional specific heat-related safety requirements.
Employers should stay updated with local workplace safety authorities, such as:
- SafeWork NSW
- WorkSafe Victoria
- WorkSafe Queensland
- SafeWork SA
- WorkSafe WA
- WorkSafe ACT, NT, and Tasmania

☐ Keep records of heat risk assessments and control measures

Maintain written documentation of all heat risk assessments, workplace adjustments, and training sessions.
Ensure that incident reports related to heat stress or heat-related illnesses are properly recorded and reviewed.

☐ Regularly review and update heat safety policies based on workplace feedback

Workplace conditions change, and so should heat management plans.
Employers should consult workers and health & safety representatives to assess whether heat safety measures are effective.
Conduct routine heat risk audits to ensure that heat exposure is continuously monitored and controlled.

Conclusion: Why proactive heat management matters

Extreme heat is a serious workplace hazard that can lead to heat stress, dehydration, exhaustion, and even life-threatening conditions like heat stroke. Without proper safety measures in place, workers are left vulnerable to dangerous heat-related illnesses, reduced productivity, and increased accident risks.

Workplaces that prioritise heat safety and worker well-being in compliance with WHS regulations are not only fulfilling their duty of care but also investing in long-term workplace sustainability.

By following this heat risk management checklist, employers can ensure that their teams stay safe, healthy, and prepared—no matter how high the temperatures rise.

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February 18 2025, by Angelina Zoldos How to Protect Workers from Heat Stress: A WHS-Compliant Checklist