The Australian Council of Trade Unions is pushing for a new national safety standard that would allow workers to stop work during periods of extreme heat. Some unions are calling for a threshold of 35 degrees in industries such as construction, where work is often physically demanding and carried out outdoors, often on exposed or partially shaded sites.

The push comes amid growing concern about the impact of hot weather on worker safety. This is especially for those exposed to direct sun, heavy protective clothing and radiant heat from surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. Unions argue existing workplace safety settings have not kept pace with these changes.

As a result, they say workers remain exposed to heat stress and related health risks during prolonged hot spells.

So, what is the issue — and how has the construction industry responded?

What is the issue?

Impact of extreme heat on workers

With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of extreme heat, unions are raising concerns about outdoor work. Many workers spend long hours outside with limited opportunities to cool down, particularly during peak summer months.

Exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health consequences, including dehydration, heat stress and, in extreme cases, heatstroke. Hot conditions can also cause fatigue and impaired concentration, increasing the risk of workplace accidents and reducing overall productivity.

Gaps in workplace heat regulations

At present, Australia’s model work health and safety laws do not include specific rules for working in extreme heat. Instead, they place a general responsibility on employers to manage workplace risks, including heat, without setting clear temperature limits or stop-work requirements. Unions argue this lack of clarity can lead to inconsistent practices across sites and uncertainty for workers, particularly on larger or multi-employer projects.

As a result, unions are calling on Safe Work Australia to introduce specific heat-related regulations for outdoor workplaces. They point to Japan’s mandatory workplace heat rules introduced last year, which require employers to take action once heat reaches set thresholds.

In Queensland, the CFMEU is calling on the government to introduce a stop-work threshold for construction sites of 35 degrees, or 29 degrees when humidity reaches 70 per cent. The push follows state government recommendations on managing adverse weather and reflects growing concern about heat-related illness on worksites.

What has been the industry’s response?

Michael Hopkins, executive manager of Master Builders Queensland, said heat protection measures are important. However, he argued they should not always involve stopping work altogether.

“Evidence tells us that heat needs to be managed in a nuanced way, not simply by stopping work at a predetermined temperature,” he told the Financial Review.

Mr Hopkins said appropriate measures include planning work activities and adjusting schedules. Other measures include rest breaks, shade, cool-down areas and hydration, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.

As debate continues, working conditions across the construction sector are evolving. Employer responsibilities around heat safety are also changing. For workers, this may prompt broader career considerations, including which employers prioritise  workplace health and safety and how their experience fits within a changing industry.

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Article References

Marin-Guzman, D (4 February 2026) ‘Unions push to automatically shut down work when it gets too hot’, Financial Review, accessed 5 February 2026.