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| Michelle Ann Zoleta |
The rise in temperatures has led to over 100 heat warnings across the country, a number that is expected to rise as the summer progresses. The situation is critical with thousands of employees working outdoors in potentially hazardous conditions. It’s crucial for employers to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of staff. It’s not just a matter of good practice, it’s a legal responsibility.
Outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Some risks include:
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- Heat stroke: A severe condition that can be fatal if not promptly treated.
- Heat exhaustion: Symptoms can include heavy sweating, weakness and nausea, which can escalate to heat stroke if untreated.
- Heat rashes: Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating.
- Sunburn: Painful burns from UV exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Employers must implement effective strategies to mitigate these risks and protect their staff.
Strategies for ensuring staff safety
Employers can adopt several comprehensive measures to protect their outdoor workers during heat waves:
- Provide hydration: Ensuring that all staff have access to plenty of cool drinking water is essential. Regular hydration breaks should be encouraged to prevent dehydration, which can worsen the effects of heat.
- Strategic work scheduling: Adjusting work schedules to avoid peak sun hours is crucial. By scheduling tasks for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late afternoon, employers can significantly reduce exposure to extreme heat. This approach helps minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Offering protective clothing: Encouraging the use of lightweight, breathable and light-coloured clothing can help staff stay cool. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are also essential to protect against harmful UV rays. Employers should provide these items and ensure that employees use them correctly.
- Heat-stress-prevention program: Implementing a comprehensive heat-stress-prevention program tailored to the specific needs of the worksite and tasks is vital. This program should include training on recognizing the signs of heat-related illness, proper hydration techniques and the importance of regular breaks in shaded or cooler areas.
- Emergency preparedness: All staff must be informed about the location of first aid stations and the procedures to follow in case of an emergency. First aid supplies should be well-stocked and emergency contacts must be readily available. Regular drills and training sessions can help ensure that workers are prepared to act quickly if someone shows signs of heat distress.
As Canada faces an escalating number of heat waves, the responsibility is on employers to implement measures to protect outdoor workers. By providing hydration, adjusting work schedules, offering protective clothing, implementing heat-stress-prevention programs and ensuring emergency preparedness, employers can create a safer work environment. These steps are crucial in preventing heat-related illness and injuries, ensuring that workers remain healthy and productive during the hot summer months.
Michelle Ann Zoleta is Health and Safety Advice manager at Peninsula Canada.
The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s firm, its clients, Law360 Canada, LexisNexis Canada or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.
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