Extreme weather events are no longer rare, they’re becoming the new normal. For workplaces, particularly those with outdoor, mobile, or high exposure workforces, this means:
unprecedented challenges to health, safety, and productivity.
rising temperatures and severe weather patterns.
degraded air quality.
the psychological toll of recurring climate events.
Organisations, including the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS), are urging employers to take proactive steps to prevent fatigue, heat stress and other heat related injuries as climate change drives more frequent and severe weather conditions.
The release of a new international standard to address climate related risks through a workplace health and safety lens, provides practical, risk-based guidance to help organisations strengthen their preparedness.
AIHS CEO Julia Whitford noted that the standard reinforces the institute’s commitment to improving climate related workplace safety:
February is often the hottest month of the year, and extreme heat affects everyone - from outdoor workers in construction, agriculture, trades and logistics to staff at major events and even elite athletes.
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 at risk (1).
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
It is important to create a healthy work ethos and environment, not only during a crisis, but also to have systems in place to manage the subsequent distress and disorder.
To address the psychosocial impacts of climate change, businesses can integrate mental health supports systems, as well as recognising the risk that climate-induced trauma and stress can present for workers.
Prepare – Assess and manage psychosocial hazards, equip managers and at‑risk workers with training, and develop trauma‑informed strategies that support organisational readiness.
Respond – Anticipate barriers to help‑seeking, including practical challenges and stigma. Support staff recommendations where possible, such as adjusting workload or exposure.
Recover – Promote available support options, monitor staff wellbeing through formal and informal channels, and help rebuild connection and stability within teams.
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, and appropriate PPE.
Review systems that manage exposure to air pollution
Consider how to eliminate worker exposure, increase servicing of air-conditioning and providing appropriate PPE.
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.
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, WHS poster library, 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 from the Cancer Council.
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.
References
(1) Lancet Countown 2025, ‘Australia, Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change Data Sheet 2025. Available from: https://lancetcountdown.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Australia_Lancet-Countdown_2025_Data-Sheet.pdf
