����ӰԺ

RICHMOND, B.C. — It’s already been a hot one in B.C., but nonetheless WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to prepare now for risks associated with summer weather before conditions become hazardous.

“Heat, UV exposure and wildfire smoke pose health risks for workers, and conditions can change quickly,” said Todd McDonald, head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC, in a statement. “Don’t wait for a heat wave or smoky skies to start planning for these hazards. Employers should have a plan in place now and must engage workers and joint health and safety committees in the planning process.”

WorkSafeBC officers will check that employers have assessed these risks and implemented appropriate controls.

Heat stress is one condition that can lead to serious health effects.

Risk increases with factors such as high humidity, radiant heat from equipment, limited air movement, physically demanding work, protective clothing and individual factors such as hydration, fitness level, or certain medications, a release reads.

Employers should assess heat stress risks based on workplace conditions, job demands and any factors that may increase a worker’s susceptibility to heat-related illness.

Once risks are identified, employers should:

• Monitor workplace conditions and reassess regularly.
• Provide cool drinking water and regular rest breaks.
• Set up shaded or cooled recovery areas.
• Schedule strenuous work during cooler parts of the day.
• Improve ventilation and cooling in indoor work areas.
• Rotate workers between hotter and cooler environments.
• Train workers to recognize the early signs of heat stress and how to seek first aid. Symptoms can include excessive sweating, muscle cramps, nausea, weakness, dizziness, agitation or confusion.
• Encourage workers to report symptoms early and speak up if conditions become unsafe.

Protect workers from wildfire smoke

Employers should treat smoke exposure as a workplace hazard and be ready to respond as conditions worsen.

• Monitor air quality and weather forecasts.
• Adjust work schedules, pace or location when smoke levels rise.
• Reduce strenuous outdoor work when possible.
• Ensure ventilation systems are working properly and replace filters as needed.
• Ensure any respirators used are approved for the hazard and properly fit-tested.

Protect workers from UV exposure

During the summer months, outdoor workers also face risks associated with UV exposure.

Prolonged sun exposure can cause skin damage, making outdoor workers 3.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer than indoor workers, WorkSafeBC notes.

Risk can be reduced by monitoring the UV index, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade when possible.