Extreme weather

Extreme weather: duties and risk management

If someone is in immediate danger due to extreme weather, call 000 immediately. This general guidance is not a substitute for emergency services. Always follow instructions from emergency authorities and stay informed through official channels.

WHS duties

Risk management

You can also read more about specific risks and controls for extreme heat, bushfires, floods, cyclones and thunderstorms and extreme cold.

Emergency plans

An emergency plan is a document that outlines requirements and instructions for workers and others in an emergency.

All PCBUs have a duty under the WHS Regulations to prepare, maintain and implement an emergency plan for their respective workplaces. In the context of extreme weather hazards – such as bushfires, floods, heatwaves, storms or cyclones – PCBUs must ensure that emergency plans are specifically adapted to address these risks. Where working conditions or operations have changed as a result of extreme weather hazards, emergency plans must be reviewed and, if necessary, updated.

For more information on emergency plans, see:

Communication

PCBUs must prepare and inform workers of any procedures or processes that are in place for extreme weather events including stand-down procedures and remote and isolated work procedures.

PCBUs should use multiple communication channels as needed during an extreme weather event including email, phone, text, social media and in-person communication. Workers should be regularly updated about the evolving event and any changes to plans, including any decision for workers to be stood down or work remotely.

Remote and solo work

If the workplace has workers working remote or alone, PCBUs must ensure they have means of communication (such a mobile or satellite phone or radio communication system) to access help in an emergency.

PCBUs should also embed a good practice for managing remote workers by having a schedule of regular communication from the worker to someone who can raise an alarm if the worker fails to make contact. Develop and provide to all relevant workers a policy or work instruction setting out the:

method of communication
frequency of communication
number to call (if by phone)
action to be taken if the call is not received
point of contact (which could include family members, local organisations or community leaders).

Procedures developed should be tested to ensure they work.

Emergency advice

During extreme weather, it is crucial that PCBUs follow advice from emergency services and government health agencies, such as advice to avoid crossing flooded roadways or to staying indoors and away from windows, trees and powerlines. It is vital that everyone:

is aware of relevant warning levels (Watch, Act or Warning)
heeds instructions from local authorities.

Engaging specialists

PCBUs may engage specialist contractors to minimise the impact of an extreme weather event on their business. Ensure that the contractor has the necessary expertise and systems in place for safe work. The PCBU must also continue to consult and cooperate with the contractor to provide appropriate instruction, as circumstances can change quickly.

Supporting workers

Extreme weather events can cause strong emotional or physical reactions among workers including:

anxiety
difficulty sleeping
feelings of helplessness, grief or anger
changes in behaviour, such as increased alcohol consumption or being quick to anger.

These reactions are a normal part of the recovery process. While most people will experience reactions during and following the event, for some, emotional impacts may surface days, weeks or months after the event.

Minimising the risk of psychological stress

The mental health of workers either directly or indirectly affected by an extreme weather event is an important consideration. PCBUs can minimise the risk of psychological stress by:

consulting workers when setting realistic work targets and priorities
consulting with workers about any changes to their roles, work tasks and broader business changes, and where possible allow their input in decision making
holding regular worker and team discussions about additional pressures and challenges
providing 'time out' areas for workers to take breaks from demanding work tasks
recognising and rewarding workers for their efforts
highlighting and encouraging the use of counselling services.

Reporting

Notify us of an incident

The PCBU – who is usually the employer – is responsible for reporting notifiable incidents to Comcare immediately.

An incident is notifiable if it results from the conduct of the business or undertaking and causes the death of a person, serious injury or serious illness of a person, or is a dangerous incident.

See Responding to an incident for information on how to notify us and other responsibilities such as preserving the site.

Inform us of a WHS concern

If you are a worker or member of the public, you can inform us of a work health and safety (WHS) concern or contact us if you have a WHS enquiry.

Email whs.help@comcare.gov.au or call us on 1300 366 979.

Workers are encouraged to speak with their employer or HSR about their concern in the first instance, if comfortable to do so. This ensures that the employer is aware of the work health and safety concern and provides them with an opportunity to resolve the issue.

If you are unable to speak with your employer or HSR, or do not believe that reasonable efforts are being made to resolve the issue, Comcare may assist in facilitating a resolution.

After you contact us, Comcare will assess the priority of the WHS concern and respond accordingly within 5 business days. We will advise you of actions that can be taken and will also let you know if there is another agency or support you can contact.

More information

Page last reviewed: 28 November 2025