As summer is right around the corner, it’s important to be proactive with reducing the risk of heat stress.
Heat stress occurs when the body becomes overheated and is unable to cool itself properly. This can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other serious health complications. Ontario’s hot and humid summer heat can be especially dangerous for workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and warehousing, where outdoor or high-temperature conditions are common.
Preventive Measures
Ensure that workers have easy access to drinking water at all times. Encourage regular hydration, especially during hot weather. The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) emphasizes that employers must provide clean, cool drinking water in work areas where heat stress is a risk.
Draft a formalized plan for managing heat stress. This includes identifying at-risk workers (e.g., those working outdoors or in hot environments) and implementing safety practices like regular breaks in cool areas, rotation of work duties to prevent overexposure to heat, and proper clothing for workers (e.g., lightweight and breathable fabrics).
Train Employees on Heat Stress Symptoms. Workers should be educated on the early signs of heat stress, which include dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, and confusion. Knowing these symptoms can help workers take quick action before conditions worsen.
By proactively addressing the risks associated with summer heat, employers in Ontario can help prevent heat-related illnesses and create a safer, more productive work environment. Regularly review your safety protocols and ensure that all employees are trained to recognize the symptoms of heat stress. When everyone takes responsibility for staying cool and safe, the summer season becomes a much safer time for everyone in the workplace.
Give us a call at 613-558-5385, or you can reach out by email: info@auspicesafety.com.