WorkSafe urging employers to be conscious as heat wave approaches

49 heat stress injury claims were accepted by WorkSafe BC last year.

The organization is reminding employers to keep their employees safe and comfortable with a heatwave set to wash over the province this week.

“Elevated temperatures significantly raise the risk of heat stress and heat stroke, both of which can be severe and even life-threatening,” said Suzana Prpic, Director of Prevention Field Services at WorkSafeBC. “However, heat-related illnesses are entirely preventable. It is the responsibility of employers to take proactive measures to protect their workers, whether they are indoors or outdoors.”

Outdoor workers, naturally, are the most at risk, but WorkSafe says those who work in restaurants, kitchens, and factories also need to take extra care on hot days.

They added people who work outside are at a 3.5 times higher risk of developing skin cancer.

WorkSafe gave some advice on how employers and employees can best stay safe in the heat.

What employers can do:
• Ensure that workers are engaged in discussions about heat-related hazards at the start of each
workday.
• Establish cooling areas with shade and water.
• 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.
• Provide air conditioning or increased ventilation to remove hot air.
• Monitor heat conditions and require workers not to work alone.
• Ensure there is adequate first-aid coverage and emergency procedures are in place.

What workers can do:
• Drink plenty of water (one glass every 20 minutes).
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric, such as cotton.
• Wear sunscreen and reapplying liberally throughout the day
• Take rest breaks in a cool, well-ventilated area.
• Do more strenuous physical work activities 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 heat stress for yourself and co-workers.

You can learn more about preventing heat stress here.