Prepare for hot weather work
Forecasts suggest 2026 is likely to be among the hottest years on record, and hotter summer conditions can create real risks for workers indoors or outdoors. Temperatures above 23°C can pose a hazard to workers when combined with factors such as humidity, direct sun or radiant heat, strenuous work, poor air movement, or clothing and personal protective equipment that trap heat.
Important:
DO NOT USE FORECAST TEMPERATURES Temperature, humidity, and relevant conditions must be measured at the worksite — anywhere work is being done — using appropriate measurement tools.
Employer responsibility: planning, mitigation, and training
Under WorkSafeBC requirements, employers must assess the risk of heat stress, develop and implement an exposure control plan where needed, and take steps to eliminate or reduce exposure. That includes planning ahead, putting practical controls in place, ensuring workers have access to cool potable water close to the work, and responding immediately if a worker shows signs or symptoms of heat-related illness. If you need additional guidance, your Actsafe Industry Health and Safety Specialists can help you understand the issues with working in hot weather and how to mitigate risks.
As an employer, you must do the following:
- Identify where, when, and how workers may be exposed to heat
- Monitor conditions and document how heat stress will be assessed and controlled
- Train workers, supervisors, and first aid attendants to recognize, prevent, and respond to heat stress
Measure conditions at the worksite
WorkSafeBC requires heat stress to be assessed using acceptable methods for the actual workplace. Environmental methods require accurate measurements taken in the immediate area where workers are working. Weather information from media sources or remote locations may be used as an early trigger to activate planning, but it is not an acceptable substitute for on-site measurement.
- Measure temperature and humidity at the workplace using appropriate equipment — use either a digital thermo-hygrometer, or a thermometer and sling psychrometer, or another combination of devices that can accurately measure air temperature and relative humidity.
- Consider other site factors such as direct sun, radiant heat, workload, air movement, and clothing and PPE.
- Use the WorkSafeBC Heat Stress Screening Tool to help determine the appropriate assessment method.
Prepare controls before temperatures rise
Before hot weather arrives, practical controls should be ready for the worksite. Depending on the work, this may include schedule changes, work-rest cycles, reduced physical demands where possible, shade or cooled recovery spaces, ventilation or air conditioning, hydration planning, and close supervision so early symptoms do not go unnoticed.
- Provide cool drinking water near the work area.
- Adjust work and break schedules during hot conditions.
- Ensure first aid and emergency response procedures are ready before a heat event.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Recognize symptoms early
Early recognition and intervention are critical. Watch for heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, confusion, or fainting. Heat stress may be accompanied by dehydration. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical care.
