Although most of us enjoy the warm weather, this also means outdoor working conditions can get hot, uncomfortable, and unfortunately smoky due to the wildfires British Columbia experiences. Here are some precautions to help ensure you stay safe and healthy when working in the heat and in the smoke-filled air. Resources are available for download.
Workers should drink a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if they are not thirsty, to reduce the likelihood of dehydration.
Provide areas of shade to shield workers from the sun’s rays. Pop-up tents, buildings, and trees are some examples.
Education and training about heat-related illnesses should be given toworkers to help recognize symptoms and seek timely first aid and medical help.
Where possible, try and reduce the amount of time outdoors. Try and schedule less demanding tasks between 11am–4pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
In wildfire smoke, use a properly fit-tested, half-face respirator to reduce exposure.
RELATED RESOURCES
View and download Actsafe’s Working in Extreme Heat Information Sheet to learn more about heat stress and its symptoms, safety practices, production considerations, and more. View other resources on preparing for extreme heat.
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