Heat Stress Can Kill Hazard Alert

Under paragraphs 9(2)(b)(c.1)(d) of the OHS Act, employers must:

• Respond to known hazards.
• Minimize exposures to recognized hazards.
• Provide instruction and protective equipment.

On a worksite where heat stress is possible, employers must:

• Monitor the situation by using measuring instruments [Paragraphs 22(a)(b), Reg. 91-191].
• Train workers to recognize the symptoms of heat stress and what to do if it occurs [Subsection 23(1), Reg. 91-191].
• Make sure an adequate supply of fresh drinking water is available and that workers have frequent access to it.

While employers have responsibilities, so do employees. Under section 12 of the OHS Act, employees must:

• Ensure their own health and safety.
• Report the existence of any hazard to the employer.
• Wear or use protective equipment when needed.
• Follow instructions and/or guidelines established to minimize any known workplace risk or hazard.

You owe it to yourself and your co-workers to recognize the signs of heat stress and to know the proper first aid measures. Everyone should learn to take a few simple precautions to prevent heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke from happening in the first place.

Drink plenty of fluids

When working in hot conditions, your body can lose up to one litre of fluid per hour. Don’t rely on thirst to tell you when or how much to drink. Drink large quantities of fluids before you begin to work and about one cup every 20 minutes while you work. The best fluid to drink is water, or liquids with some sodium content. Don’t drink any form of alcohol – it causes your body to lose fluids.

Increase your salt intake slightly

The salt in most prepared foods should be sufficient, but if you’re working in extreme conditions, drink liquids with some sodium content, or try an electrolyte replacement drink.

Wear appropriate clothing

Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t leave too much skin exposed. Wear a hat in the sun.

Take it slowly

Start by working slowly and taking short, frequent breaks. Gradually increase the frequency, intensity, or duration of your tasks as your comfort level improves. Some workers reach full acclimatization within a week. Others take longer, depending on their size, stamina, and the type of work they’re doing.

Listen to your body

Learn to recognize the three main forms of heat stress and their symptoms:

• Heat cramps – painful muscle spasms and excessive sweating.
• Heat exhaustion – headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and clammy skin.
• Heat stroke – severe headache, confusion, delirium, convulsions, loss of consciousness and hot, dry, flushed skin.