risk management
How will El Niño impact Australian workers?
Australia is no stranger to extreme weather conditions. From floods and droughts to cyclones and bushfires, our country has seen it all. When the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) announced in September that our 2023-24 summer would feature an El Niño, many people breathed a sigh of relief, having spent the previous three summers battling devastating floods and rains.
El Niño is a global weather phenomenon. For Australia, it often means an increase in bushfires and high temperatures. These can have a significant impact on the country's workforce, particularly those working in outdoor industries.
While most of us are familiar with the term El Niño, what does it really mean? But more importantly, how can businesses prepare for a hot, dry summer and keep their employees safe?
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What is El Niño?
El Niño is a natural weather pattern occurring every two to seven years when the Pacific Ocean's surface waters become unusually warm. This warming can affect global weather, causing droughts, floods and storms in different parts of the world. In Australia, El Niño is typically associated with extended periods of drought and hotter than average temperatures.
Lasting for several months to a few years, El Niño is typically followed by a reversal of these conditions called La Niña.
What does El Niño mean for Australia?
El Niño affects large parts of Australia in different ways, including reduced rainfall, increased heatwaves and more extreme weather events. This can lead to a decline in industries such as agriculture and mining, causing real impacts on the economy and workers.
With this in mind, employers should remain vigilant to protect their workers and businesses, taking proactive measures to mitigate the potential of loss of life and property. Preparing well before any event can reduce the risks, improving the chances of business continuity in the face of extreme weather conditions.
Hot, dry summers mean more bushfires
One of the main consequences of El Niño in Australia is an increased risk of bushfires. With drier conditions and hotter temperatures, the risk of fires starting and spreading is greatly heightened.
This can pose a significant risk to workers in industries such as forestry, agriculture and construction.
Employers in these industries could prepare by providing protective clothing and equipment for their workers. Additionally, it's important to train workers on fire safety measures so they can respond appropriately in case of an emergency. This may include evacuation procedures and training, as well as proper equipment to tackle a fire.
How a business can prepare for bushfires
Review emergency plans
Make sure emergency plans are up to date. This should include the location of fire hydrants and water sources, as well as mandating fire-safe practices across the work site. Employers can also introduce work practices that minimise fire hazards such as installing fire sprinklers and improving workplace housekeeping practices.
Create a well-executed evacuation plan
- Develop a plan outlining evacuation procedures.
- Establish communication protocols.
- Show evacuation routes clearly.
- Confirm workers understand the plan.
- Conduct regular evacuation drills.
Give workers access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE is anything a worker uses or wears to keep them healthy and safe and may include fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
Provide adequate training
Training employees on the use of fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment can help prevent injury and minimise damage.
Have the right insurances
A business should ensure they have the right insurances in place to mitigate the financial consequences of a bushfire.
Hotter temperatures while on the road
Another consequence of El Niño is extremely high temperatures, particularly in inland regions, which can make working outdoors uncomfortable and dangerous. It also means workers who spend a significant amount of time on the road, such as truck drivers and delivery drivers, are at an increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion or stroke.
Employers should make workers aware of the risks of working in hot temperatures and take steps to reduce those risks. They may also wish to consider providing sun protection gear, such as hats and sunscreen, to protect their workers while on the job.
Encouraging their workers to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in shaded or cooler areas during work is another thing employers can do.
For employees who work on the road, it's essential to have access to proper cooling systems in their vehicles and cool areas during breaks.
Workers Compensation
It's important to consider the impact of El Niño on potential workers compensation claims. With the increased risks of bushfires, heat exhaustion and other heat related dangers, it's possible workers will suffer injuries or illnesses while on the job. Compulsory for most Australian employers, Workers Compensation Insurance covers most medical bills of your workers if they suffer a work-related injury and wages, if they are unable to work following the injury.
El Niño can have a significant impact on Australian workers, particularly those employed in outdoor industries. By preparing for bushfires and ensuring workers have access to proper cooling and protection on the job, employers can help to mitigate the effects of El Niño.
- Why your business should have a Disaster Recovery Plan
- The importance of a Business Resilience Plan
- Business continuity plan (BCP) 101
Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. In NSW, GIO manages claims as agent for the Workers Compensation Nominal Insurer ABN 83 564 379 108, also known as icare workers insurance.
The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.
