The NSW Government has rolled out a new online, interactive tool, SeasonalSAFE Plan, to help businesses prepare and manage the health and safety risks that summer weather can pose.

Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said, “Employers have a responsibility to their workers and customers to keep them safe this summer, and the SeasonalSAFE Plan is the perfect way to get the ball rolling on how you can best ensure they are both protected from the heat and everything that comes with it.”

The NSW Government urges all businesses to complete a SeasonalSAFE Plan, including those businesses that feel they are out of danger areas, for example, those in the CBD.

While flames may not be a threat in these areas, smoke from fires can often travel thousands of kilometres, polluting the lungs of those in the city.

“The bushfires of 2019–2020 were a catastrophe the likes of which we had never seen before. In February 2020, the fire ground in NSW covered around 7% of the state, which included 37% of the NSW park system,” Ms Mann said.

“You cannot control the weather, heat, bushfires or smoke but you can plan where, how and when your workers perform their duties, and how you will respond if these elements present a threat.”

Click here to access the SeasonalSAFE Plan.