Working outdoors

  • Many people working in construction often have jobs that require them to work outside.

Many people working in construction often have jobs that require them to work outside. 

The following can make working outside hazardous:    

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PCBU duties
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Worker duties

You must eliminate the risks associated with outdoor work so far as is reasonably practicable. If that is not possible, you must minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. As part of this duty, you must identify hazards and assess and control the risks associated with outdoor work.

You must also provide first aid for workers who are showing symptoms of a heat-related illness such as heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. For more information on first aid, click here.

You must also consult workers, any health and safety representatives about WHS and who are or are likely to be directly affected by a health and safety matter.

You must consult, cooperate and coordinate with other relevant duty holders.

Your PCBU has a duty to keep you and your workplace safe from risks associated with outdoor work.

You also have a duty to take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others in the workplace including ensuring your acts and omissions don’t adversely affect others health and safety.

Comply with any reasonable instructions, policies and procedure given by your PCBU at the workplace, so far as is reasonably able to.
 

Risk management

Persons conducting a business or undertaking must eliminate or minimise the risks of outdoor work by:

  • Identifying the relevant hazards
  • Assessing and managing risks, and
  • Implementing, monitoring and reviewing control measures.

Examples of how to protect yourself and others when working outside include:

  • Telling someone where you are going and when you will be back.
  • Regularly monitoring weather conditions and emergency warnings.
  • Avoid working in bad weather, in the heat of the day or when air quality is poor.
  • Wearing long and breathable protective clothing and sunscreen.

See Part 3.2, Division 2 of the model WHS Regulations for more information. 

For more information

Model Codes of Practice

Other resources

External resources

  • Did you know

    The WHS regulator in your state or territory can provide practical advice, resources and tools to help you be safe when working in construction. They can also let you know which WHS laws apply to you.