Natural disasters and emergencies can be a difficult time for employees as they attempt to manage unusual and stressful circumstances. This is particularly challenging for graduates who may be unfamiliar with the procedures, processes, and rules around employment entitlements associated with natural disasters and emergencies. This article will provide graduates with the necessary information so that they can be prepared for such situations and be informed about their rights.
What are natural disasters and emergencies?
Natural disasters are extreme weather events that cause widespread destruction, disturbance and devastation. Emergencies are non-weather related events that have similar effects. During natural disasters and emergencies, a graduate's ability to work may be compromised. The Australian Government Disaster Assist keeps an updated table of all current disasters in Australia. If graduates are unsure on whether an event is classified as a disaster, they can refer to the table here.
In Australia, the following events constitute as disasters:
- Bushfire
- Cyclone
- Earthquake
- Flood
- Hailstorm
- Influenza
- Landslide
- Low / Tropical Low
- Meteorite Strike
- Rainfall
- Storm
- Storm Surge
- Terrorist Attack
- Thunderstorm
- Tornado
- Tropical Low
- Trough / Monsoonal Trough
- Tsunami
- Weather Event
How Are Pay and Entitlements Affected by Natural Disasters and Emergencies?
There are different rules in place for work during inclement or severe weather and during a natural disaster.
Inclement or Severe Weather
Inclement or severe weather is when it is unsafe or unreasonable for an employee to work. This can be during heavy rain and storms, extreme heat or cold, or during hail or high winds. During inclement or severe weather, graduates may be told to not attend work or to stop work entirely for the time being.
Awards and registered agreements may prescribe rules for working in inclement or severe weather. It is important for graduates to consult their award or registered agreement so that they are aware of the rules in place for such a situation, as well as the pay structures in place when it is impossible for them to work. The Fair Work Commission provides a tool that can allow graduates to readily consult information about work during inclement and severe weather by selecting their award or registered agreement here.
Natural Disasters
A natural disaster is a weather event that is more extreme than inclement or severe weather. A natural disaster can be a bushfire, flood, or cyclone. During a natural disaster, provisions for work are provided for by the Fair Work Act. If necessary, employers may stand down their employees without pay per the Act. This is only if their award, registered agreement, or employment contract does not provide similar stand down provisions. Find out more about stand downs and when they are permitted by reading our article here.
Can I Take Leave Due to A Natural Disaster or Emergency?
During or after a natural disaster or emergency, graduates may need to take leave to take care of themselves or their family. Graduates may be entitled to take sick leave, carer’s leave, or compassionate leave. However, this will depend on whether they have met the requirements of the type of leave they are seeking. More information about the criteria that must be met for different types of leave can be found by reading our article here.
What If I Want to Assist with Disaster Relief?
Employees are permitted to take time off work for community service leave in order to assist with disaster relief during a natural disaster or emergency. Find out more about community service leave by reading our informative article about different types of leave available to graduates here.
What Are the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations?
If your workplace is affected by severe and inclement weather and you are required to continue work, advice and information is available from the workplace health and safety authority of each individual state and territory.
The following are responsible for regulating and investigating workplace health and safety in each state and territory:
- Australian Capital Territory - Work Safe ACT
- Northern Territory - NT WorkSafe
- New South Wales - SafeWork NSW
- Queensland - Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
- South Australia - SafeWork SA
- Tasmania - WorkSafe Tasmania
- Victoria - WorkSafe Victoria
- Western Australia - WorkSafe WA
Where can I seek support?
If you are a graduate who requires further assistance and information on employment entitlements during natural disasters and emergencies, you can contact the following services:
Nation-Wide
The Australian Government Disaster Assist is a national agency that provides people affected by disasters with a One-Off Disaster Recovery Payment or a Short-Term income support Disaster Recovery Allowance.
State/Territory
- Australian Capital Territory - ACT Emergency Services Agency
- Northern Territory - SecureNT
- New South Wales - Emergency Management NSW
- Queensland - https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/recovery-after-disaster/?utm_source=gradconnection&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=gradconnection0324
- South Australia - Department for Communities and Social Inclusion
- Tasmania - SES Tasmania
- Victoria - Department of Human Services Emergency Management
- Western Australia - Nature Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements