Minimise your employees exposure to smoke


Released 08/01/2020

Due to the heavy smoke conditions impacting the ACT, WorkSafe is encouraging employers to look at mitigation strategies to minimise the impact of the current heat and smoke conditions.

Employers are particularly being asked to eliminate strenuous or outdoor work where possible (including postponing or re-scheduling).

ACT Work Safety Commissioner, Greg Jones, said employers should undertake a risk assessment of their work activity, and revise the assessment as conditions change.

“Employers have a legal obligation to provide their workers with a working environment that takes all reasonably practical steps to eliminate or minimise the risks associated with their work,” Mr Jones said. “This includes taking into account the environmental conditions that workers are required to operate under.

“We suggest employers provide P2 masks if there will be prolonged outdoor activity that cannot be avoided or for those workers who are sensitive to smoke. Employees are also encouraged to speak up if they are feeling the effects of smoke and to take regular breaks.”

Additionally, alternative cooling arrangements should be used if evaporative air conditioning is currently being utilised.

For more information regarding outdoor smoke, please read ACT Health’s Outdoor Smoke factsheet.

To be kept up-to-date with the current State of Alert, please visit the ESA website at esa.act.gov.au.

- Statement ends -

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