Prince George and many other regions across BC are being issued a heat warning this weekend, as temperatures are expected to reach up to 36 degrees.
As a result of the hot weather, WorkSafeBC is now warning workers and employees to stay safe while working in extremely hot conditions.
Barry Nakahara, Senior Manager of Prevention Field Services at WorkSafeBC says heat stress is a prominent issue for workers in these extremely hot conditions, however, the issue is completely preventable.
“You want to make sure that everyone from your workers on the tools and on the ground right up to your managers are aware of the impacts that heat can have and working in hot conditions can have on a workers health and safety,” he explained.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excess sweating, dizziness, fainting, and muscle cramps, whereas symptoms of heat stroke include cessation of sweating, rapid breathing, confusion seizures, and even cardiac arrest.
WorkSafeBC recommends employers prohibit employees from working alone, ensure there is adequate first aid coverage, change work policies and practices to limit the risk, and determine appropriate work-rest cycles.
The organization notes that work-rest cycles are important because if a worker falls ill with a heat-related condition, it might be too late to keep them working.
Additionally, WorkSafeBC recommends establishing cooling areas with shade and water and rotating work activities to reduce heat exposure.
Nakahara says the responsibility of reducing the risk of heat-related illness also falls on the shoulders of workers.
“Being aware of what heat stress looks like is the starting point, but also staying hydrated and properly nourished and dressing appropriately, wearing light coloured or loose-fitting clothing with breathable fabrics are helpful,” he added.
WorkSafeBC also reminds workers to try and conduct work during the coolest parts of the day, before 11 am and after 3 pm, and to keep an eye on fellow coworkers who are also working in the heat.
“From a workers perspective to it’s very important to let your employer know if the situations you’re working in are causing some heat-related symptoms, let them know at the earliest possible time so that steps can be taken to prevent it from becoming more serious,” Nakahara added.
According to Nakahara, WorkSafeBC has accepted almost 100 claims for work-related injuries caused by heat stress over the last three years.
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