Victoria has already experienced multiple destructive bushfires in these early days of 2026, with dozens of townships across the state threatened and thousands of workplaces directly disrupted. These fires have occurred earlier that our typical fire season, which usually peaks in February.
Chief officer of the Country Fire Authority, Jason Heffernan last week that “there is every chance that we can see weather patterns come in the next couple of weeks – it could see a return of very hot conditions, very strong, northerly winds and again [could] threaten more communities across Victoria.”
Whilst we are all urged regularly to develop and practice a fire plan for our homes and properties, what happens in our workplaces?
Under section 21 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 employers have a duty to provide and maintain a healthy and safe working environment. This includes providing a safe system of work, information, training, supervision, and where appropriate personal protective equipment. Under Section 26, persons who manage or control workplaces must ensure that the workplace and the means of entering and leaving it are safe and without risks to health.
Employers are required to consult with employees and HSRs in the development of a workplace emergency management plan. When doing so employers must also consider the potential risks that bushfires pose to workers before, during and after the event.
You can find information to guide you in your preparations for fires in the workplace at our Fire and Emergency Evacuation page, which provides links to the relevant legislation, Compliance Codes and Australian Standards, as well as a comprehensive Action Plan for Health and Safety Representatives.
WorkSafe Victoria directs employers to their Bushfires page where you can find links to everything about bushfires and the workplace in one place, including:
- Bushfire response and recovery information - details specific post-bushfire physical hazards that may be relevant in your workplace; and
- Health risks of outdoor work in areas impacted by bushfire smoke - provides further advice for employers on managing the hazard of exposure to the airborne particles and gases associated with bushfire smoke; and
- Information for emergency services workers, including firefighters, ambulance and police officers.
When consulting with your employer about the hazards presented by bushfires in your workplace you may also find the new ACT Code of Practice: Managing the risks associated with extreme temperatures. Whilst the ACT’s Code does not have jurisdiction in Victorian workplaces, in the absence of our own state Compliance Code it serves as a valuable resource and guidance for employers, employees and HSRs in negotiating and implementing workplace thermal policy and procedure.
Read more: Bushfires | WorkSafe