SWA releases bushfire planning resources for workplaces

Safe Work Australia has developed a new information sheet to help persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) use the national fire danger rating and warning systems to assess the risks of bushfires at work. PCBUs must eliminate risks in the workplace, or minimise them so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes the risks of bushfires. Bushfires can occur at any time of the year, but are more likely during warmer weather and the local bushfire season.

Conducting a risk assessment will help PCBUs identify any hazards that could have an impact on workers and others in the workplace; assess the risks; and determine the most effective control measures to manage the risks. All states and territories have now implemented the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), which provides information about the risks of bushfires in the local area, and the Australian Warning System (AWS), which provides warnings during emergencies such as bushfires.

The AFDRS and AWS can be useful when conducting risk assessments for bushfires. Visit the Bushfire smoke in the workplace and Working near bushfires webpages for more information.

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