Preparing Workers and Employers for the Summer Heat
Heat stress
Our bodies naturally maintain a temperature between 36°C and 38°C. Sweating cools our bodies down, but if you work in a hot environment this might not be enough. If your body heats up faster than it can cool itself, you experience heat stress. This can lead to serious heat disorders and potential injury. It is important to note that heat affects different workers in different ways depending on the type of work they are conducting and their general health. Additional consideration should be given to specific situations such as performers exerting themselves in direct sunlight, workers wearing additional PPE for their position or performers wearing costumes that may not be seasonal.
How workers are exposed
There are three main causes of heat stress.
The environment
• Radiant heat from direct or indirect sunlight (reflection from pavement or kilns)
• Air temperature hotter than skin temperature (warms a worker up)
• High humidity (makes it harder for a worker to cool down)
The work
• The more active you are, the more heat you will produce.
The worker
• Conditioning (regular work in hot environments makes workers less prone to heat stress)
• Poor health, including obesity, advanced age, and medical conditions (the body responds poorly to overheating)
• Not staying hydrated
• Excess clothing or inappropriate personal protective equipment (they trap heat and prevent cooling) cardiac arrest
Potential risks related to heat exposure
As a worker’s body heats up, it loses fluids and salt through sweat. As workers dehydrate, they are less able to cool themselves down. Workers in a hot environment should be aware of these warning signs of heat stress:
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea
If heat stress is not recognized and treated early, it can lead to heat disorders, which have serious effects on the body.
These include the following.
Heat cramps
• Painful muscle cramps
• Can lead to heat exhaustion if left untreated
Heat exhaustion
• Shallow breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Sweating
• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness
• Headache and nausea
• Fainting
• Muscle cramps
• Can lead to heat stroke if left untreated
Heat stroke
• Hot, dry, flushed skin
• No longer sweating
• Agitation and confusion
• Decreased level of consciousness and awareness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Increase in breathing rate
• Irregular pulse
• Shock
• Cardiac arrest
Exposure Control Plan Heat Template
In the world of motion pictures and performing arts, heat stress is a serious concern. Stay safe and productive with Actsafe’s Heat ECP template, designed in collaboration with WorkSafeBC and industry experts. Whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes, our comprehensive plan helps you assess, develop, and implement crucial heat exposure controls. Protect your team and ensure a cool, confident production.
HOW TO PROTECT WORKERS
Employers are required to develop an exposure control plan (ECP) and control measures to help protect against heat-related illness.
Production and supervisors share responsibility for ensuring that control measures, including the following, are implemented and that workers follow them:
- Workers know the risks and how to manage their heat exposure within permissible limits.
- Workers know to inform their supervisor or employer if they feel ill.
- Heat-related illness warning signs are posted and easily accessible by workers.
- Sunscreen is available to workers, as required.
- An easily accessible supply of cool, potable water is maintained.
- The environment and workers are being monitored regularly throughout the day.
- Workers are provided with and take appropriate rest breaks.
- Workers have areas where they can get away from the heat.
Here are some basic guidelines that workers can use to prevent heat-related illness:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water or electrolyte-replacement drinks and avoid high-sugar and caffeinated beverages.
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to rehydrate.
- Eat light meals.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, such as UV sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made
of fibres that increase airflow. - Put on sunscreen and reapply as necessary.
- Make use of shaded areas, cooling tents, and air conditioning in vehicles, trailers, holding areas, and indoor workspaces.
- Make use of air-movement machines (e.g., cooling or misting fans), if provided.
- Use your prescribed rest breaks to cool off.
- Monitor yourself and others around you for any signs or symptoms of heatrelated illness.
