How to manage heat stress in the workplace

Thursday, May 11, 2023

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Beat the Heat Safety Talk Presentation Beat the Heat Safety Talk Leader Guide Hazard Alert: Heat stress can be a killer Heat Stress Awareness Guide

Heat-related illnesses are cause for concern, and with summer almost here, it’s time for a refresher on the best ways to beat the heat at work. Keep in mind that severe heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion can occur for several days after dehydration from exposure to high temperatures, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, whether you work outdoors as a tree planter, inside a mill, or toil year-round in toasty places like bakeries, foundries, or underground mines.

Top 10 warning signs of heat stroke

Symptoms of heat stress can range from mild heat rash or sunburn to severe heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Extremely high body temperature
Hot, dry, skin – an inability to cool the body through perspiration may cause the skin to feel dry
Increased heart and respiration rates as blood pressure drops and the heart attempts to maintain adequate circulation
Throbbing headache, nausea or vomiting due to dehydration
Weakness, fainting, or dizziness – especially if standing position is assumed quickly – due to low blood pressure from dehydration
Muscle cramps
Dark-coloured urine – a sign of dehydration
Confused, hostile, or seemingly intoxicated behaviour
Pale or bluish skin colour in advanced cases due to constricted blood vessels
Seizures or unconsciousness

What to do if you suspect heat exhaustion or stroke

Get medical aid
Move to air-conditioned environment or at least a cool, shaded area
Loosen or remove unnecessary clothing
Drink plenty of cool water
Fan and spray with cool water

How to protect yourself against heat stress

Sometimes it’s difficult to self-recognize heat stress, so it’s important to use a buddy system at work to keep an eye on each other and spot potential heat stress symptoms.

Stay fit
When possible, avoid working in hot areas and in full sun
Take frequent breaks
Use sunblock with at least SPF 15 and re-apply every two hours
Cover up with long-sleeve shirt, hat
Increase fluid intake
Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine
Reduce activity when exposed to heat
Use buddy system to watch for symptoms
Increase salt intake (if doctor approves)

How employers can protect workers against heat stress

Train workers in heat stress awareness and first aid
Provide drinking water
Provide rest breaks and air conditioned rest areas
Post urine colour chart in washrooms to raise awareness about hydration
Encourage workers to stay fit; to drink water
Indoors, provide fans for air movement
Use machines to reduce physical demands of work
Schedule most strenuous work to cooler times of the day
Measure daily Humidex ratings and have a Humidex Heat Stress Response Plan
Have a heat stress prevention program specific to your workplace – see pages 8-11 of the Heat Stress Awareness Guide for a sample heat stress policy