Safety Alert: Extreme heat readiness

January 28, 2026

During periods of warmer weather, please ensure your venue has appropriate heat management and high patronage plans in place. The points below outline the key actions required across all teams

1. Staff Heat Management

Hot weather increases the chance of heat stress and fatigue, especially for people working outside or in warm areas.

Please ensure:

Breaks are more frequent and staff are rotated through shorter shifts in heat exposed roles.
Hydration runs happen regularly, and cold water is easy for everyone to access.
Electrolytes or ice-based treats are available during the hottest parts of the day.
Shade, shelters, and cool spaces are used wherever possible.
Staff are rotated into cooler or airconditioned areas when you can.
Supervisors check in often and keep an eye out for early signs of heat stress.

2. Increased Patronage & Customer Flow

Hot weather can lead to higher visitor numbers and longer wait times.

Please:

Keep a close watch on capacity and adjust as the day changes.
Make sure communication between frontline teams is clear and consistent.
Use your capacity or trafficflow tools to help manage queues and set customer expectations.
Expect more families, groups, and people who may be visiting for the first time.
Refresh key safety messages with your team and ensure everyone knows their role during busy periods.

3. Facility, Equipment & Environmental Checks

Heat puts extra pressure on buildings, equipment, and operational areas.

Please:

Monitor temperature affected areas and make sure cooling and ventilation are working well.
Increase the frequency of checks in high use or heat affected spaces.
Watch for any equipment or systems that may start to struggle in high temperatures.
Continue to follow all safe handling and operational procedures, especially where heat may have an impact.
Escalate early if anything starts trending toward unsafe or noncompliant.

4. Program & Service Adjustments

Any programs or services delivered outdoors or in warm areas may need changes.

Please:

Increase rotation for staff delivering programs.
Make sure participants have access to shade or cooling where possible.
Remind customers of any heat or sunsafety expectations.
Shorten, relocate, or modify activities as needed based on conditions.

5. Customer Safety & Comfort

Extreme heat affects all customer areas, not just outdoor spaces.

Please:

Monitor hightraffic areas for crowding and heat exposure.
Check that shade structures, cool zones, and shelters are set up and in good condition.
Increase inspections of surfaces or equipment that may heat up or become unsafe.
Keep hydration and sunsafety messages visible and reinforced.
Support staff working in warm customerfacing spaces.

6. Occupational Violence & Aggression (OV&A)

Heat, crowds, and delays can increase frustration levels.

Please:

Rebrief teams on deescalation and OV&A reporting.
Give customers clear information early about wait times or capacity limits.
Escalate concerns to supervisors before situations escalate.
Remind staff that noone is expected to tolerate abusive behaviour.

7. Leadership Presence

Strong, visible leadership makes a big difference during extreme heat operations.

Please:

Be present on the floor during peak times.
Support your teams with queues, welfare checks, water runs, and OV&A issues.
Watch conditions throughout the day and adjust staffing, shade, and resources as needed.
Provide clear direction and check in regularly with your teams.
Make sure no one feels they’re handling a busy or high heat shift on their own.

8. Rostering, Resourcing & Breaks

Staffing needs often increase during hot, busy periods.

Please:

Add extra coverage where possible.
Reduce time spent in heat exposed roles.
Plan breaks ahead of time and make sure coverage is maintained.
Look out for staff who may be more affected by heat or fatigue.

9. General Readiness

Before the heat hits, make sure your site is set up and ready.

Please:

Check radios, first aid supplies, cooling items, AEDs, and hydration stations.
Make sure reporting systems are easy to access.
Run a quick toolbox or briefing focusing on heat, crowding, and OV&A expectations.
If you have extra staff helping out, make sure everyone is clear on their role for the day.

Learn More:

If you have concerns about your venue’s readiness or conditions escalate, please contact your line manager. For full guidance and site-specific expectations, please review the documents below: