May 10, 2023

Prepare Workers for the Summer Heat this Weekend! ☀️🏖️🏊

With higher temperatures starting to settle in, it is important that employers are aware of the effects heat can have on their workers, and are taking action to prevent heat stress. Heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat stress which can lead to death.

Can you tell the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stress?

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

😵 dizziness

😰 excess sweating

😯 fainting

😖 muscle cramps

Heat stroke symptoms include:

🌡️ increased breathing rate

😓 lack of sweating

❓ confusion

🚑 seizures and even cardiac arrest

When you see someone showing signs of a heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. With some preparation, heat-related illnesses can easily be prevented. Here are some tips to help protect outdoor workers:

• Workers should increase their water intake, drinking one glass every 20 minutes.
  • For every single cup of coffee, workers should drink two cups of water to offset the diuretic properties. Drinking water with your coffee will also eliminate the caffeine crash.
• Limit strenuous physical work during the hottest hours of the day (11 am – 3 pm).
• Minimize prolonged heat exposure by having additional workers and rotation of work activities.
• Allow for regular breaks in well-ventilated cooling areas with shade and water.
• Workers should be aware of their own personal risk factors (pre-existing conditions or medications) and should check themselves and co-workers for symptoms of heat stress.
• Ensure adequate first aid coverage and emergency procedures are in place.
  

You can raise awareness of the effects of sun exposure and help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses in workers by using the resources on go2HR’s Staying Safe During High Temperatures webpage. The page includes practical resources, such as posters and videos, on recognizing and managing the effects of heat exposure in the workplace.

If you have any questions regarding workplace health and safety, please contact us via phone: 604-633-9787 or email: safety@go2hr.ca. Our qualified health and safety staff are available to assist and we look forward to supporting you and your team.

ESSENTIAL JOB TRAINING

Serving British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry with programs and services in human resources, health and safety, and industry training that support growth and success since 1979.

www.go2HR.ca