Is my workplace too hot or cold and what does the law say?
Part of an employer’s responsibility is to provide and maintain a safe work place, and often heat and cold can be overlooked unless perhaps you work in cold storage or a foundry.

The extremes of these two environments can have serious effects on employees, as hypothermia and heat fatigue or exhaustion can impact a person body and additionally impact work performance as concentration can be impaired. If they are dealing with machinery or other controls it can have serious negative outcomes.

In every state there is a general duty under your workplace safety Act, however some states now have specific safety regulations dealing with this topic.    

How do I keep extreme heat and cold controlled at my workplace?
The first question to be asked is whether the temperature needs to be that extreme. If your industry calls for extreme temperatures, some controls measures might be the introduction of protective clothing, erection of shelters, providing breaks at closer intervals, use of air conditioners, access to cool water.  When carrying out work in hot or cold temperatures monitoring employees’ health is also important, as each employee will handle temperature differently. 

Can I get help? 
Yes. You can download information from your regulatory authority by clicking on the links below, or you could engage an external consultant from our Business Directory to help you develop adequate control measures.  Also, you might need jackets, hats, beanies, water fountains, and also some training on working in hot or cold environments.     

 Is there any free guidance material I can read on working in heat or cold?

Click on the link below for useful information?

Australian Capital Territory
www.ors.act.gov.au