Bushfire Safety for Workers eLearning

The module is recommended for anyone who works in or travels through high bushfire risk areas, including workers in:

• Community and social services
• Health and aged care
• Education
• Justice and corrections
• Transport
• Agriculture
• Utilities
• Tourism
• Local government
• Any industry where employees work or travel in bushfire-prone locations

Fire services across Australia encourage workers in high-risk areas to complete the training. Employers are also encouraged to incorporate the module into workplace health and safety policies and induction programs.

Many workers travel through rural, regional and remote areas where bushfire risk can change rapidly. For some, particularly those based in metropolitan areas, bushfire safety may be unfamiliar. The module helps workers recognise bushfire risks, prepare for travel, understand warnings, and take appropriate action during an emergency.

With Australia’s health care and social assistance sector continuing to grow, many workers regularly visit clients, patients and participants in areas prone to bushfire, making bushfire awareness and preparedness increasingly important.

The online learning module covers four key topics:

• Risk – Understand bushfire risk and how it may affect your work.
• Prepare – Prepare yourself, your vehicle and your journey.
• Travel – Travel safely and understand bushfire warnings and information.
• Survive – Take action if you are caught in a bushfire emergency.

Interactive activities, quizzes and real-world scenarios help learners apply their knowledge and make safer decisions when working in bushfire-prone environments.

The module has been redeveloped for a national audience. This redevelopment is supported by the introduction of nationally consistent emergency information systems, including the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), the Australian Warning System (AWS) and AusAlert.

Led and funded by CFA between September 2025 and June 2026, development involved a National Working Group with representatives from fire and emergency services across Australia, including TFS, RFS, DFES, CFS, FRV and QFD. More than 100 people also participated in national user testing to help refine and improve the final product.

At the end of each topic, learners are provided with links to state and territory-specific resources, websites and emergency applications. This ensures workers travelling across jurisdictions can access the most relevant and up-to-date information wherever they are working.

The complete module takes approximately 45–60 minutes to finish. Additional videos and resources are available for learners wanting more detailed information.

A refresher pathway is also available, allowing returning learners to assess their knowledge and focus on topics where they need further learning. Annual completion is recommended and can be incorporated into organisational WHS/OHS procedures.

The Bushfire Safety for Workers eLearning module is an awareness and education program and is not accredited training. Depending on how the module is delivered by individual jurisdictions, learners may receive a certificate of completion that can be shared with employers.

The module has been designed to be accessible and user-friendly, featuring:

• Screen reader-compatible content
• Video transcripts and subtitles
• Interactive learning activities and quizzes
• Support for different learning styles

The training can be accessed on computers, tablets and smartphones; however, a larger screen is recommended for the best learning experience.