When working outside, consideration must be given

The following are some instances that are considered

* Working in bad weather
* Working in sun
* Working in heat
* Working in air pollution
* Working near bushfires
* Working in cold

Working in bad weather

If you work outside, you’re at risk of exposure to bad weather conditions including storms, wind, rain, and lightning. Your workplace must have measures in place to manage the risks to your health and safety caused by bad weather, including:
* working indoors (where possible)
* postponing outside work
* providing access to shelter
* securing structures and objects and turning power off, and
* providing protective equipment, like eye protection.

Eliminating exposure to bad weather is the best protection”

Working in sun

If you work outside, you’re at risk of exposure to ultra violet radiation from the sun, even when it’s cloudy.

Sun exposure can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the skin. Your workplace must have measures in place to prevent sun-related disease and injury, including:

* working indoors (where possible)
* working outside only during mornings and afternoons
* providing shade and shelter
* using sun protective clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Eliminating exposure to ultra violet radiation is the best protection.”

Working in air pollution

If you work outside, you’re at risk of exposure to air pollution.

You should check your jurisdiction’s air quality index to determine the air quality where you’re working. If you have an air pollution sensitivity, particularly if combined with an underlying medical condition, you should advise your workplace and follow the advice of your GP or specialist physician.

Events such as dust storms and bushfires may temporarily reduce outdoor air quality and pose health and safety risks to workers.

Dust and smoke may:

* reduce air quality and impact visibility
* settle onto equipment and impact the functioning of plant and grip of surfaces
* irritate the airway, nose and eyes.

Your workplace must have measures in place to manage the risks to health and safety caused by working outdoors when air quality is reduced, including:

* working indoors (where possible)
* rescheduling outdoor work until conditions (e.g. visibility and air quality) improve​
* ensuring plant is functioning correctly and has not been affected by dust or debris
* cleaning any dust and debris off outdoor surfaces
* providing personal protective equipment such as eye protection and correctly fitted, P2 rated face masks.