Warmer temperatures are on the horizon for British Columbia, and WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to prepare for the risk of heat stress.
To protect employees during these times, WorkSafeBC officers will ensure that employers have assessed these risks and implemented appropriate controls.
“Heat, UV exposure and wildfire smoke pose health risks for workers, and conditions can change
quickly,” says Todd McDonald, head of Prevention Services,WorkSafeBC.
Planning for heat exposure
In certain occupations, heat stress is higher, both indoors and outdoors.
Outdoor workers in industries such as construction, agriculture, transportation, and public works are at higher risk.
Heat stress also affects those working in indoor environments such as kitchens, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities, particularly those without air conditioning.
Heat stress can lead to serious health effects.
The risk increases during high humidity, radiant heat from equipment, limited air movement, physically demanding work, protective clothing, and individual factors such as hydration, fitness level, or certain medications.
Employers should assess heat stress risks based on workplace conditions, job demands, and any factors that may increase a worker’s susceptibility to heat-related illness.
Once risks are identified, employers should:
- Monitor workplace conditions and reassess regularly.
- Provide cool drinking water and regular rest breaks.
- Set up shaded or cooled recovery areas.
- Schedule strenuous work during cooler parts of the day.
- Improve ventilation and cooling in indoor work areas.
- Rotate workers between hotter and cooler environments.
- Train workers to recognize the early signs of heat stress in themselves and others and how to seek first aid. Symptoms can include excessive sweating, muscle cramps, nausea, weakness, dizziness, agitation, or confusion.
- Encourage workers to report symptoms early and speak up if conditions become unsafe.
Image Credit: WorkSafeBC
Protect workers from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke can affect air quality across the province. Employers should treat smoke exposure as a workplace hazard and be ready to respond as conditions worsen.
Employers should:
- Monitor air quality and weather forecasts.
- Adjust work schedules, pace, or location when smoke levels rise.
- Reduce strenuous outdoor work when possible.
- Ensure ventilation systems are working properly and replace filters as needed.
- Ensure any respirators used are approved for the hazard and properly fit-tested.
Protect workers from UV exposure.
During summer, outdoor workers also face risks associated with UV exposure. Prolonged sun exposure can cause skin damage. According to WorkSafeBC, outdoor workers are 3.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer than indoor workers.
Risk can be reduced by monitoring the UV index, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when possible.
“Don’t wait for a heatwave or smoky skies to start planning for these hazards. Employers should have a plan in place now and must engage workers and joint health and safety committees in the planning process,” says McDonald.
For more information, visit WorkSafeBC’s resources.
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