High temperatures put B.C. workers at risk of heat stress

British Columbia is getting hit with some serious heat this week.

For most, it’s a nice summer treat that will result in some serious time outside, but for people who spend their entire eight hour work days outside, it can be dangerous.

WorkSafeBC is warning employers and outdoor workers of the risk of developing heat stress in these kind of hot temperatures.

Left untreated, heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with symptoms like excess sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, an increased breathing rate, confusion and even cardiac arrest.

From landscapers to welders to construction workers, any outdoor job can put workers at risk of heat stress.

“People who work outdoors face many risks when the weather gets hot,” says Dan Strand from WorkSafeBC. “Employers are required to know if their workers are at risk, and need to perform a heat-stress assessment and implement a mitigation plan accordingly.”

It occurs when the body’s internal temperature increases faster than the body can cool itself.

WorkSafeBC offers up the following tips for both employers and workers to avoid heat stress this summer.

Prevention of Heat Stress: Employers

• Monitor heat conditions and require workers not to work alone.
• Ensure there is adequate first-aid coverage and emergency procedures are in place.
• Make physical modifications to facilities, equipment, processes to reduce exposure.
• Change work practices and policies to limit the risk.
• Determine appropriate work-rest cycles; when a worker feels ill it may be too late.
• Rotate work activities or use additional workers to reduce exposure.
• Establish cooling areas with shade and water.

Prevention of Heat Stress: Workers

• Drink plenty of water (one glass every 20 minutes).
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric such as cotton.
• Take rest breaks in a cool, well-ventilated area.
• Do hard physical work during the coolest parts of the day, before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
• Know your personal risk factors such as medications and any pre-existing conditions.
• Check the signs and symptoms for yourself and co-workers.