Heat stress could lead to illness, disability and death
With the weather heating up, the Ontario government is encouraging workplaces to prevent heat stress.
“With the warmer weather now upon us, workplaces must do all they can to protect their workers from heat stress,” said Charles Sousa, minister of labour. “By actively controlling heat stress, we can prevent workplace injury, illness and even deaths.”
Working in the heat puts stress on the body’s cooling system. When heat is combined with stresses such as hard physical work, fluid loss, fatigue or some medical conditions, it could lead to serious consequences, according to the ministry.
Employers must take steps to protect employees from the heat. The ministry has a few suggestions for steps employers should take:
•reduce the temperature and humidity through air cooling
•provide air-conditioned rest areas •increase the frequency and length of rest breaks •schedule strenuous jobs for cooler times of the day •provide cool drinking water near workers and remind them to drink a cup of water about every 20 minutes •assign additional workers or slow down the pace of work •train workers to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress and start a “buddy system” since people are not likely to notice their own symptoms.
