Australian unions have welcomed plans to develop new measures to protect workers from extreme heat, poor air quality and vector-borne illnesses.
Federal and State Ministers have approved Safe Work Australia recommendations to develop new safety regulations including a National Strategic Plan on Climate Safe Work.
The plan will protect workers against exposure to dangerous heatwaves, air pollution and other hazards.
Each year, about 3000 workers become ill or are seriously injured because of extreme heat in Australia.
Safe Work Australia CEO, Marie Boland, said the plan will guide a coordinated national approach to the WHS impacts of climate change.
“The strategy will strengthen the research, evidence and data needed to inform policy and practice, and consider how the model WHS framework can continue to protect workers as our climate changes,” she said.
Australian Education Union federal president, Correna Haythorpe, said the impacts are exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure including classrooms without air-conditioning, appropriately shaded playgrounds, and buildings unable to withstand extreme weather conditions.
"Teachers and students deserve safe, climate-resilient schools, supported by urgent investment in infrastructure that can withstand the realities of Australia's extreme weather," she said.
ACTU assistant secretary, Liam O’Brien, said Australia is staring down the barrel of a summer that may shatter temperature records.
"Governments agreed these protections are necessary. Now the work starts to make sure they are strong, delivered soon, and developed with the input of the workers already feeling the heat," he said.