Extreme weather events are no longer rare, they’re becoming the new normal. For workplaces, this means unprecedented challenges to health, safety, and productivity. Rising temperatures, severe weather patterns, degraded air quality and the psychological toll of recurring climate events are placing unprecedented pressures on organisations, particularly those with outdoor, mobile, or high exposure workforces.
The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) has continued to highlight these concerns, most recently through its Position Statement on Climate Change and Work Health and Safety.
Many sectors are already facing climate-linked impacts such as heat stress, poor air quality and psychosocial strain, and these growing risks reveal where WHS systems and workplace preparedness can continue to evolve.
The Growing WHS Implications of Climate Change
Heat and environmental exposure risks
Heat remains the leading cause of weather-related hospitalisations in Australia. More frequent and intense heatwaves increase risks of:
- Heat stress and heat stroke
- Fatigue and cognitive decline
- Reduced productivity
- Greater susceptibility to accidents
Workers in construction, transport, agriculture, emergency services and manufacturing are particularly affected.
Air quality and respiratory hazards
Bushfire smoke, dust storms and increased allergen levels contribute to short- and long-term respiratory issues.
Workplaces must plan for:
- Air quality monitoring
- Modified work schedules
- Respiratory protective equipment
- Indoor air filtration standards
Infectious disease risks
Changing climate conditions influence the spread communicable diseases, increasing workplace absenteeism and health vulnerabilities. Where applicable, manage these thorough vector control, hygiene and ventilation, and vaccination policies.
Psychosocial and mental health impacts
Climate-related events, including heatwaves, flooding, storms and bushfires, can heighten:
- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma exposure
- Workforce fatigue
- Sense of uncertainty around safety and recovery
The training and guidance on managing climate-related mental health risk remains urgently needed.
Building Climate-Ready Workplace Systems
For employers, strengthening preparedness is no longer optional. Leading WHS bodies recommend that organisations:
- Embed climate management – Add climate change to standing agendas for WHS Meeting and Operational planning discussions where weather events and emergency alerts are monitored for required business response and risk assessment
- Review and adjust work design – including shift times, task allocation, hydration protocols and rest periods during heat events.
- Review systems – for addressing heat and UV exposure to ensure that it addresses potential exposure, including worker travel to and from the workplace
- Ensure physical controls are in place – such as shade, ventilation, cooling and climate-appropriate PPE.
- Monitor climate and weather data daily – pause or modify tasks when risks become unacceptable, particularly for vulnerable workers.
- Support mental health and recovery – including early identification of heat related psychosocial strain and access to EAP and trauma informed care pathways.
- Review Systems Response – systems that manage with worker’s exposure to air-pollution and consider how to eliminate worker exposure, increase servicing of air-conditioning and providing appropriate PPE
Supporting Organisations to Protect Workers and Build Resilience
As climate-related hazards intensify, employers play a critical role in protecting workers and maintaining safe operations. By strengthening WHS systems, investing in early prevention, and supporting mental health and recovery, organisations can reduce harm, support productivity, and build long term resilience.
EML continues to support employers, WHS leaders, and industry partners by helping build safer, healthier workplaces, today and into the future.
Where to find more resources:
Through EML and our mutual Benefits Program, we have dedicated resources such as our Free workplace mental health resources, Recovery after trauma guides, and our EMlearning online training courses.
Other external resources
For information, resources and training programs to support mental health surrounding a disaster, Phoenix Australia has The Disaster Mental Health Hub
For those working at home, the Climate Council has these tips to beat the heat: Summer Survival Guide
To help build a mentally healthy workplace Mind Your Head has many practical tools and resources: Home – Mind Your Head
From SafeWork Australia: air quality and bushfire hazards, Bushfire smoke in the workplace – Resources and resources to manage psychosocial hazards Psychosocial hazards
Outdoor Workers and sun protection | Cancer Council NSW – New literature review on sun exposure/heat and UV risk assessment template which we funded
A mentally healthy workplace for executives and decision makers | National Mental Health Commission – A resource to help manage the mental health of Executives and Decision Makers who carry an increased emotional load during periods of stress pre/during/post events
Managing change and disruption series | National Mental Health Commission – A guide to help organisations plan and manage through change and disruption.
