You Can Stand Under My Umbrella - Employer Responsibilities in Extreme Weather

Queensland’s weather doesn’t always play nice. One day it’s blue skies - the next, you’re watching the radar, moving equipment, and sending staff home before the roads flood.

We all know to get our homes storm-ready… but what about our workplaces? When the rain starts falling, and things get chaotic, do you know your obligations as an employer?

“When the sun shines, we’ll shine together...”

It’s easy to manage your team when everything’s running smoothly. But when a cyclone warning hits, or the floodwaters rise, most employers find themselves making decisions on the fly — without fully understanding what Fair Work requires.

I see it all the time: Well-meaning business owners acting quickly to protect their people and property… only to discover later that they’ve accidentally stepped outside the rules.

That’s why I always say — the best time to prepare isn’t during the storm, it’s before it.

“Told you I’ll be here forever...” - Employer Responsibilities in Extreme Weather

Your team relies on you for leadership, especially when things get unpredictable. Whether it’s flooding, road closures, or power loss, you should already know:

• Who can be stood down, and under what circumstances.

• How much notice must be given, and that it must be in writing.

• What options exist for paid leave, remote work, or alternative duties.

• How to communicate clearly, consistently, and compliantly.

If you don’t have those answers before the weather hits — you’ll end up making reactive decisions in the heat of the moment.

And let’s face it, in chaos, even the best decisions can get washed away.

“You can stand under my umbrella...”

When it floods, we’ve got you covered — literally and legally. We help employers build Emergency People Plans that keep everyone safe, informed, and compliant when the rain starts falling.

Together, we’ll create:

• Stand-down templates ready to issue in minutes.

• Step-by-step action plans for closures and reopenings.

• Staff communication frameworks that work when systems don’t.

• And the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re doing it right.

So when the water rises, and your inbox fills with questions, you’ll already have the answers - and your umbrella firmly in hand.

“These fancy things will never come in between...”

This isn’t about fancy policies or legal jargon. It’s about protecting your people and your business, the right way.

A written plan ensures decisions aren’t made in panic, and your staff know exactly what to expect. You’ll reduce risk, maintain trust, and avoid compliance headaches that can come long after the storm has passed.

And when you’re ready to act? You’ll do it calmly, confidently, and compliantly — because you planned ahead.

“You can run into my arms... it’s okay, don’t be alarmed.”

If the thought of navigating Fair Work, stand-down rules, and disaster communications makes you want to hide under the desk — don’t worry, you can stand under my umbrella.

Let us help you create your Emergency People Plan so your team and your business are protected when nature does its thing - Employer Responsibilities in Extreme Weather