Members are urged to be proactive in managing this cyclical safety issue by planning for the summer months ahead. Good guidance on working in heat is available on the Victorian WorkCover Authority website. The Master Builders OHS Unit also has a good “Working in Heat” policy that members can introduce into their business to outline some key principles with their employees and subcontractors.

Members should note that under the Industry EBA 2011-2015 inclement weather provision, employees are entitled to receive payment for ordinary time lost through inclement weather for up to 32 hours in every four week period commencing 28 February 2005. The 32 hours available for inclement weather payment is credited at the commencement of each four weekly period, with no employee entitled to receive more than this amount in any calendar month. Members are reminded that employees must also remain on the job until the inclement weather provisions have been observed in order to be eligible to receive payment.