The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) have launched a campaign — called “The Heat is On!” — to address heat stress in workplaces.
“It’s the middle of May and we’re already seeing sweltering temperatures in Ontario,” said OFL President Laura Walton. “The dangers of heat stress at work are real–without meaningful legislation, Ontario workers will continue to face the threat of heat-related injuries, sickness, and even death.”
Despite a 30-day consultation conducted by the Ministry of Labour last year regarding a heat stress regulation, no action has been taken, the OFL said in a press release. It has called for heat stress to be recognized as a workplace hazard under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
“Working in extreme heat conditions is putting Ontario’s workers’ health at risk,” said MPP Peter Tabuns, Official Opposition Critic for Climate Action. “Ontario’s summers are getting hotter and hotter, leading to unsafe work conditions for many workers in our province. We need better protections for workers from heat stress as Ontario faces more climate change-driven extreme heat events. The time for action is now.”
Motion expected in legislature
Tabuns announced his intention to introduce a motion in the Legislature next week to address the issue of heat stress in Ontario workplaces.
Front-line workers also shared their experiences with heat stress, including Ginette Poulin, a custodian at Nouvelle-Alliance Catholic Secondary School in Barrie and member of CUPE. Poulin described the challenges faced by custodians working in non-air-conditioned environments.
“Heat drains their energy, making tasks exhausting, and prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. We deserve better–now. That’s why I’m joining the call to recognize heat stress under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”
The OFL’s campaign includes a legislative petition that will be circulated in workplaces and communities across Ontario in the coming months, aiming to secure heat stress legislation by the fall.
“We need heat stress legislation for everyone in Ontario, not just workers,” added Walton. “Our working conditions are the living, learning, growing, and participating conditions for us all. From sweltering and overcrowded classrooms to poorly ventilated and overheated long-term care rooms, from the stuffy and stifling shop floor to the scorching sun of an outdoor job site–the heat is a hazard that many workers simply cannot escape.”
Toolkit available
During the conference, speakers highlighted the Heat Stress Toolkit prepared by Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), which includes a Heat Stress Calculator.
The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario.