The ACT Government has released a new approved Code of Practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011: Managing the Risks Associated with Extreme Temperatures. This Code provides practical guidance for PCBUs and industry stakeholders on how to identify, assess, and control risks associated with working in very hot or very cold conditions.
Purpose of the Code
- To help workplaces meet their obligations under the WHS Act and WHS Regulation.
- To provide practical strategies for managing health and safety risks from extreme heat and cold.
- To reduce incidents of heat-related illness, cold stress, and associated hazards.
Key Points for Members
- Scope: Applies to all ACT workplaces where exposure to extreme temperatures may occur.
- Risk Management:
- Identify hazards and assess risks (heat stress, cold stress, solar UVR).
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- Apply the hierarchy of controls – eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineer, and use administrative controls before PPE.
- Temperature Management Plan:
- Develop and implement a workplace plan in consultation with workers and HSRs.
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- Include agreed thresholds for stopping work during extreme conditions.
- Building & Construction Guidance:
- Consider stopping work when temperatures exceed 37°C.
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- Between 35°C and 37°C, implement additional controls such as shaded rest areas, hydration breaks, and job rotation.
- Cold Stress:
- Ensure adequate clothing, heated spaces, and monitoring for hypothermia and frostbite risks.
Why This Matters
Extreme temperatures pose serious health and safety risks. With climate change increasing heatwave frequency and ACT winters remaining severe, this Code is a critical resource for ensuring worker safety year-round.
What Members Should Do Now
- Review the Code to understand obligations and recommended controls.
- Update or develop a Temperature Management Plan for your workplace, including agreed stop-work thresholds and emergency procedures.
- Consult with workers and HSRs on risk assessments and control measures for both heat and cold.
- Check existing controls (hydration stations, shaded rest areas, heated spaces, PPE) and ensure they meet the Code’s guidance.
- Train supervisors and workers to recognise symptoms of heat stress, heat stroke, hypothermia, and frostbite, and know emergency response steps.
- Plan ahead for seasonal extremes – Monitor forecasts and conditions using Bureau of Meteorology heatwave alerts and ACT weather updates.
- Document and review controls regularly to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Access the full Code here:
Managing the Risks Associated with Extreme Temperatures Code of Practice (ACT Government)
For further guidance or support in implementing these requirements, contact MBA ACT Advisory Team.
