Bushfires

Bushfires pose a significant hazard in Australia. While the hazard peaks during summer, bushfires can occur at any time of the year. Bushfire safety in the workplace is paramount before and during a bushfire, as well as in the recovery phase.

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System provides information about Australia’s improved, simplified and nationally consistent fire danger rating system.

This page is about specific bushfire risks. Read more about duties and managing risks related to extreme weather.

Bushfire risks

Exposure to heat, fire and smoke from bushfires can cause health and safety risks to workers including injuries, illness and death. Everyone at the workplace, including workers, should remain vigilant and be prepared to act. Inform and consult with your workers about the risks arising from the hazards posed by bushfires and control measures to minimise exposure.

Air quality

Exposure to smoke and ash can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. PCBUs must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that indoor environments where work is occurring are safe and without risks to health for workers from bushfire smoke and ash. Workers should report any issues with air quality to their supervisors.

PCBUs should work with their property management, such as building landlords, to monitor the air quality of their buildings or workplaces and keep workers informed of the measures taken.

Smoke and air quality information is available on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Monitor outdoor air quality levels via the appropriate state and territory authority:

• Air quality and pollen in the ACT
• Air quality updates NSW
• EPA check air and water quality Vic
• Air quality monitoring SA
• Live air data Qld
• Air quality index WA
• Real-time air quality data for Tasmania
• Air quality NT
• AirRater app

Safety measures

PCBUs should first consider eliminating the risks. This could include evacuating workers, relocating work or allowing work from home, if reasonably practicable.

If it’s not reasonably practicable to eliminate, PCBUs should minimise the risks and consider implementing control measures such as:

• rescheduling outdoor work, so far as is reasonably practicable, until visibility and air quality improve
• increasing rest times and having them indoors, if possible (ensuring air quality inside is not worse than air quality outdoors)
• rotating staff who work outside to alternate tasks indoors
• closing windows and doors while it’s smoky, and opening them during smoke-free periods
• setting building and vehicle air conditioners to recycle mode so that smoke is not drawn in from outside
• using closed cab machinery and vehicles
• using an air purifier.

PPE

PCBUs must ensure that any PPE used by workers to control risks arising from bushfires are fitted correctly and used as required. PCBUs can do this through actions including policies and procedures, worker training and supervision. PCBUs should also ensure that any PPE that they provide is regularly inspected and maintained, and replaced where there are signs of damage or wear and tear.

For instance:

• make available water, eye drops and saline nasal sprays to reduce throat, eye and nose irritation
• ensure that P2/N95 respirators are clean, fitted correctly, and replaced when dirty, damaged or wet.

State and territory-specific guidance

• WorkSafe WA – Bushfire and bushfire smoke
• SafeWork NSW – SeasonalSAFE guidance
• SafeWork NSW – Bushfire smoke
• SafeWork SA – Air pollution and bushfire smoke
• SafeWork SA – Bushfire planning tips for businesses
• Northern Territory Government – Bushfires
• WorkSafe QLD – Bushfire smoke
• WorkSafe Victoria – Health risks of outdoor work in areas impacted by bushfire smoke
• WorkSafe Tasmania – Bushfires
• WorkSafe ACT – Storms, floods and bushfires