Working at heights in hot weather increases the risk of heat stress, fatigue, and falls. Stay safe this summer by following SafeWork NSW guidelines – use shade, hydration, rest breaks, and UV protection. Learn how to manage heat exposure, choose the right PPE, and protect your team when temperatures soar.
How the Heat Affects Working at Heights
Working at heights in hot weather presents more than just discomfort – it introduces serious safety risks that can quickly escalate without the right precautions. Prolonged exposure to sun and heat impacts focus, coordination, and physical performance, all critical when working above ground. Below are the key ways high temperatures affect workers and increase the dangers of working at heights.
Dehydration and Fatigue
Hot weather rapidly depletes the body’s fluids and energy levels, leading to dehydration and fatigue. When working at heights, even mild dehydration can reduce concentration, slow reaction times, and increase the risk of missteps or falls. Without regular water breaks and rest in shaded areas, workers can quickly lose alertness, a dangerous combination when balance and coordination are critical.
Heat Stress and Illness
Heat stress occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, leading to symptoms such as headaches, muscle cramps, and dizziness. At ground level, these can be warning signs, but at height, they can quickly become life-threatening. A worker who becomes lightheaded or disoriented while elevated faces a serious risk of losing balance or falling, making early recognition and prevention essential.
UV Exposure and Hot Surfaces
Intense UV exposure doesn’t just cause sunburn, it can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke when combined with prolonged time outdoors. At the same time, metal tools, ladders, and roof surfaces can absorb extreme heat, creating burn hazards on contact. Workers at height are often more exposed to direct sunlight, making effective sun protection, PPE, and surface checks vital before starting any task.
Sudden Weather Changes
Summer conditions can change rapidly, turning a hot, clear day into a safety hazard within minutes. Sudden storms, strong winds, and slippery surfaces from unexpected rain all increase the risk of falls and equipment instability. For those working above ground, monitoring weather forecasts and having clear procedures for stopping work in unsafe conditions are essential for staying protected.
Regulations to Know When Working in the Heat
Understanding the legal and safety requirements for working in hot conditions is just as important as managing the physical risks. In Australia, specific regulations and guidelines outline how to protect workers from heat-related hazards, particularly when working at heights. Below, we break down the key guidance from SafeWork NSW and the responsibilities employers must uphold to keep their teams safe and compliant.
SafeWork NSW Guidance
SafeWork NSW doesn’t set a specific maximum temperature for outdoor work, but under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW), clause 36, employers are legally required to manage risks to health and safety caused by heat. This means work must be modified – or stopped altogether – if hot conditions pose a risk of illness or injury. Control measures may include rescheduling tasks, providing shade and hydration, or increasing rest breaks.
Employer Duties
Under WHS laws, employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment, which includes managing heat exposure. In hot weather, this means ensuring workers have access to cool drinking water, shaded rest areas, regular breaks, and safe systems of work that reduce heat stress risks. Employers should also train staff to recognize early signs of heat-related illness and know when to stop work if conditions become unsafe.
10 Practical Ways to Stay Safe in Hot Weather
Staying safe in the summer heat requires more than just sunscreen – it’s about planning, awareness, and smart work habits. Whether it’s adjusting start times, choosing the right clothing, or recognising early signs of heat illness, every precaution helps reduce the strain of hot conditions. Below are ten practical steps to protect workers and maintain safety when temperatures rise on site.
1. Switch up your working hours
Australian summer months bring longer days and more direct sunlight, increasing both UV exposure and heat stress risks. When possible, schedule the most physically demanding height work for early mornings or late afternoons, avoiding the peak heat between 11 am and 3 pm. Adjusting shift times helps protect workers from fatigue, improves concentration, and keeps productivity steady throughout the day.
2. Ease of access
Spending long periods of time on the roof is not a safe practice – especially under direct summer sunlight. Having the right access systems in place, such as walkways, guardrails, and platforms, allows workers to reach service areas quickly and safely, reducing time spent in the heat. Well-designed access also minimises fatigue and fall risk. Anchor Safe designs and installs compliant, permanent roof access systems that make height work safer year-round.
3. Look out for tools baking in the sun
In Australia, you can almost fry your lunch on surfaces left in direct sunlight — and the same goes for tools and equipment. Metal ladders, anchor points, and hand tools can become dangerously hot, causing burns or damage to PPE. Before starting work, check surfaces and equipment that have been exposed to the sun and, where possible, store or shade tools when not in use to prevent heat-related injuries.
4. Clothing to wear for summer work
Wear clothing with a UPF 50+ rating, such as loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts and lightweight trousers, to protect skin from harmful UV rays. Breathable fabrics help wick away sweat and keep the body cooler, while hats and neck protection shield against direct sun exposure. Choosing the right clothing is a simple but effective way to reduce heat stress and sunburn while working at heights.
5. Keep hydrated
This may seem obvious, but according to Waterlogics Australia, 80% of outdoor workers don’t drink enough water during summer shifts, increasing their risk of heat exhaustion and fatigue. Regular hydration is essential when working at heights, as even mild dehydration can impair concentration and coordination. Employers should provide easy access to cool drinking water and encourage workers to take frequent sips throughout the day.
6. Rotate tasks between workers
To reduce exposure to UV radiation and extreme heat, rotate tasks between technicians whenever possible. Sharing physically demanding or high-exposure tasks ensures no single worker spends extended periods in direct sunlight, lowering the risk of heat stress and fatigue. Task rotation also helps maintain alertness and productivity, keeping safety high while working at heights during hot conditions.
7. Know the symptoms of heat related illness
It is extremely important for workers to remain alert to the early signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, excessive sweating, or muscle cramps can quickly escalate if ignored. Recognising these warning signs early allows workers to take immediate action – resting in the shade, hydrating, and seeking assistance – preventing serious incidents while working at heights in hot conditions.
8. Melted roof materials
Roofing structures can become brittle and weak after long-term exposure to extreme heat, making surfaces unstable and increasing the risk of slips or falls. Materials such as bitumen, plastic, and some composites may soften or warp in direct sunlight, creating unexpected hazards. Always inspect roof surfaces before work and adjust tasks or use protective platforms to ensure workers remain safe in hot conditions.
9. Temperature awareness
Be prepared for the weather. Check forecasts before starting work and monitor temperature trends throughout the day, especially during summer heatwaves. Understanding how hot conditions will develop allows you to plan breaks, adjust work hours, and implement extra precautions. Staying aware of temperature changes helps prevent heat-related incidents and ensures workers remain safe while performing tasks at height.
10. Take regular rest breaks
Even short breaks in shaded or cooler areas give the body a chance to recover from heat exposure. Scheduling regular pauses throughout the day helps prevent fatigue, reduces the risk of heat illness, and keeps workers alert while performing tasks at height in extreme temperatures.
Anchor Safe Understands Summer Safety
At Anchor Safe, we understand that summer brings unique challenges for working at heights. That’s why we offer comprehensive inspections, tailored installations, and hands-on training to help businesses manage heat-related risks effectively. From assessing roof access and safety systems to equipping teams with the knowledge to work safely in extreme conditions, Anchor Safe provides trusted solutions that keep workers protected all year round.
Work with a Qualified Height Safety Specialist
Don’t wait for a heat-related incident to highlight gaps in your safety systems. Arrange a height safety audit with Anchor Safe to identify risks, ensure compliance, and implement practical solutions that protect your team. Early action helps prevent accidents, reduces downtime, and gives you confidence that your workers can operate safely – even in the hottest summer conditions.