Heat stress checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Planning

Risk assessment covers work in heat, including heat sources on site.
Heavy outdoor work scheduled for cooler hours where possible.
Vulnerable workers identified and checked as fit for outdoor work.
Supervisor asks each worker at the start of shift if they feel unwell.

02WBGT monitoring

WBGT checked and recorded every hour during work hours. MOM heat stress measures
On-site WBGT meter in use where required (construction over $5m, shipyards, process plants). MOM heat stress measures
Current WBGT band told to the crew and posted where they can see it.

03Acclimatisation

New workers on a written plan that builds heat exposure over at least 7 days. MOM heat stress measures
Workers back from more than a week's leave re-acclimatised. MOM heat stress measures
Workers on acclimatisation kept out of the midday sun on their first two days.

04Water and rest

Cool drinking water within easy reach of every work area.
Workers drinking at least every hour when WBGT is 31°C or higher. MOM heat stress measures
Shaded rest area close to the work, with seating not exposed to the sun.
At WBGT 32°C or higher, heavy work stops for at least 10 minutes every hour in shade. MOM heat stress measures
Fans or air coolers in rest areas when WBGT is 31°C or higher.

05People and clothing

Buddy pairs assigned and every worker knows their buddy.
Workers wearing loose, light-coloured clothing.
Extra breaks planned for workers in heavy or impermeable PPE.
Workers trained to spot heat illness signs in themselves and others.

06Emergency

Written emergency response and reporting procedure for heat injury. MOM heat stress measures
Cold water, ice packs and water spray on standby at site.
First-aiders on shift can recognise heat stroke and start cooling.
Everyone knows to call 995 for confusion, collapse or fits in the heat.

Legal requirement

MOM requires employers of outdoor workers to monitor WBGT hourly and to acclimatise new and returning workers over at least 7 days. Workers must drink regularly, and at least hourly at WBGT 31°C and above. They need adequate shaded rest, with at least 10 minutes every hour for heavy work at WBGT 32°C and above. Employers also need an emergency response plan. From 1 December 2026, heat stress training, cool water near work areas, emergency cooling supplies and suitable clothing also become mandatory.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Heat stress checklist

01Planning

02WBGT monitoring

03Acclimatisation

04Water and rest

05People and clothing

06Emergency

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Heat stress: what supervisors need to know

Toolbox talk: drinking water and rest breaks

Toolbox talk: sun and UV protection