How to protect yourself at work during extreme heat: Alberta Health
Posted Aug 14, 2022 3:05 pm.
Last Updated Aug 14, 2022 3:08 pm.
The provincial government is giving tips and pointers on how to deal with extreme heat conditions.
If you work in hot conditions outdoors or indoors, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to take precautionary measures to protect workers.
“Alberta summers can add safety risks for those working outside or in other hot environments,” said Kaycee Madu, Minister of Labour and Immigration. “Keeping hydrated and taking time to cool down is critical to maintaining healthy and safe workplaces. I encourage employers and workers to work together to minimize the risks of hot temperatures so that everyone can return home safely.”
Exposure to extreme heat causes overheating, which can lead to heat strokes which require immediate medical attention as they can be life threatening.
This means employers and workers should keep an eye on the early signs of over heating, including irritability, headache, dizziness and fatigue, heavy sweating, dehydration (may include a reduced ability to sweat), muscle cramps, and heat rash.
Signs of heat stroke include high body temperature, lack of sweat, disorientation, and fainting or unconsciousness.
High temperatures can be deadly. Call 911 if you see signs of heat stroke:
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Take action:
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????DO NOT give fluids pic.twitter.com/SIgiKM3EGO— Alberta Health (@GoAHealth) August 13, 2022
When suspecting a heat stroke, action should be taken immediately, such as moving to cool place, removing outer layer of clothes, wrapping in a cool wet towel, and not giving fluids, the province says.
Also, always remember to call 911.
Employers can protect their employees by providing drinking water, reducing physically demanding activities on workers during hot days, making sure employees are working in shaded areas if possible, providing cooling stations and rest areas, and providing training for employees to avoid and limit heat exhaustion.
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On the other hand, workers can protect themselves at work by staying hydrated by drinking water, wearing suitable clothes and protective equipment, and communicating with their employers if they suspect symptoms of heat exhaustion.
There are many factors that play a role in heat exhaustion and heat strokes including age, medical condition, fitness level, and whether or not people are acclimatized to heat.
