Keeping safe in the heat – OHS requirements

With a hot start to the school year, it’s important to know your school’s policy on extreme weather. Safety legislation in Victoria and Tasmania requires employers to provide and maintain, as far as practicable, a working environment that is safe and without health risks.

Employers must manage risks related to extreme temperatures. Staff should not be expected to work in unsafe conditions and must have access to water, shade, and cool areas. Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) should discuss with employers the locations where temperature monitoring is needed. Schools should advise staff in advance about heat procedures and contingency plans. Staff should follow guidance and report unsafe conditions.

There are no regulations in Victoria or Tasmania that set specific maximum workplace temperatures. For sedentary or desk-based work, workplaces should be maintained between 20°C and 24°C, according to Victoria’s Workplace Facilities and the Working Environment Code of Compliance and similar guidance in Tasmania. Outdoor work carries higher risks from heat and solar radiation, so employers must take additional measures to minimise harm.

Employers should also consult with HSRs and staff regarding higher-risk activities, such as yard duties, camps, excursions, or large gatherings like assemblies or sport. These activities should be postponed unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so. When determining what is not reasonably practicable, employers must demonstrate a clear presumption in favour of safety.

At a glance: Staff safety during extreme heat

Inside work:

• Use air conditioning, fans, open windows when appropriate, and block or filter direct sunlight.

• Adjust the school dress code for better thermal comfort.

• Maintain indoor temperatures between 20°C and 24°C.

Outside and physically strenuous work:

• Adjust workloads, schedules, or temporarily suspend non-essential activities to avoid peak temperature and UV exposure.

• Increase breaks in shaded or cool areas and allow flexible break times.

• Ensure access to cool drinking water.

• Provide Personal Protective Equipment (hats, protective clothing, sunscreen).

• Consider early dismissal or alternative arrangements if temperatures reach dangerous levels.

• Modify physical activity for students (e.g., outdoor sports, recess).

Personal precautions for educators:

• Stay hydrated

• Wear light, breathable clothing

• Limit strenuous activity where possible

• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Speak to your HSR or employer and check your school’s extreme temperature policy. Ask what risk assessments have been conducted for Term 1, 2026, and what controls will be put in place to reduce the risk of heat-related injuries for you and your colleagues.

More info here:

• Tasmanian Managing the work environment and facilities code of practice

• Victorian Workplace Facilities and Working Environment Compliance Code

• Vic Trades Hall resources for HSRs

Emergency contacts for extreme heat — Victoria

• Life‑threatening emergencies (heatstroke, collapse, severe symptoms): call Triple Zero (000) for ambulance, fire or police immediately. 

• Non‑urgent medical advice (24/7): Nurse‑on‑Call – 1300 60 60 24 (registered nurse health advice). 

• Non‑life‑threatening urgent care: contact your GP, visit a Priority Primary Care or Urgent Care Clinic, or use the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (online service) for assessment. 

• General health help (national): Healthdirect – 1800 022 222 for after‑hours nurse guidance (can advise when unsure what to do). 

• VicEmergency hotline (weather and heat warnings): 1800 226 226 for updates on extreme heat and alerts. 

Emergency contacts for extreme heat — Tasmania

• Life‑threatening emergencies: call Triple Zero (000) immediately. 

• Non‑urgent ambulance assistance: Ambulance Tasmania – 1800 008 008 (non‑emergency patient transport and assistance). 

• GP or after‑hours health advice: Healthdirect – 1800 022 222 for 24/7 nurse support and guidance on care options. 

• Tasmanian health information: Service Tasmania – 1300 135 513 for general health and hospital information. 

Note: In both states, call emergency services on 000 if symptoms are life‑threatening or if someone’s condition deteriorates rapidly. For conditions that are not life‑threatening (e.g., mild heat exhaustion or uncertainty about symptoms), start with health advice phone lines or urgent care clinics so ambulances can remain available for greatest need.