The Fair Work Ombudsman’s site states that a stand down occurs when the reason is beyond the employer’s control.
Heat waves fall within this definition as it is unsafe and unhealthy to allow employees as outdoor workers to work in this heat.
Employees can be stood down (including fulltime) without pay and accrue leave.
The options available to employers in these circumstances is to offer the employee the choice of:
- Annual Leave
- Time off in lieu of payment of overtime on a time for time basis
- Provide work where the employee is not effected by the heat
Information courtesy of Mediation and Employment Relations Services (MERS).
