In response to a recent heat alert issued by the Province of New Brunswick, WorkSafeNB is reminding outdoor workers to be mindful of heat-related risks.
The Department of Health issued a Level 2 heat alert for St. Stephen on Thursday, with humidex levels expected to reach between 40 and 44 C for a significant portion of the day.
“In such conditions, heat stress and stroke can easily sneak up on you if you’re not careful,” said Manon Arsenault, WorkSafeNB’s communications director.
“The humidex warns people when heat becomes hazardous but it does not take into account a worker’s activity,” she added.
Employers are advised to use the humidex as a guide to limit moderate to heavy work activities to cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening.
WorkSafeNB also recommends workers learn to recognize and watch for signs of heat-related stress. These include:
“If a worker experiences any of these conditions, please seek medical attention immediately,” Arsenault said.
WorkSafeNB’s new Guide to OHS Legislation portal and app offer key tips for staying healthy and safe while on the job. Visit http://ohsguide.worksafenb.ca/topic/heatcold.html to learn more about heat stress. Download the app by searching for “NB OHS Guide” on the App Store or Google Play.