With summer approaching, WorkSafeBC is urging employers to take proactive measures to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat and wildfire smoke. These conditions pose significant health risks, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and respiratory problems.
“Planning for wildfire smoke and extreme heat is essential for ensuring the health and safety of workers during the summer months,” said Barry Nakahara, Director, Prevention Field Services for WorkSafeBC. “Employers should always assess the unique risks of their outdoor or indoor worksites and implement appropriate measures to protect their employees from heat stress and poor air quality. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about safeguarding lives.”
To manage these risks effectively, WorkSafeBC advises employers to conduct thorough risk assessments tailored to their specific worksites and workforce before extreme weather conditions arise. This process involves identifying potential hazards, evaluating the severity of risks, and implementing appropriate control measures.
Key factors to consider when assessing weather-related risks include:
- Environmental Conditions: The combination of elevated temperatures, humidity, and poor air quality can create hazardous working conditions.
- Work Conditions: Jobs involving physical exertion can increase the body’s internal temperature, intensifying the risk of heat-related illnesses and aggravating respiratory conditions.
- Personal Health Factors: Individual characteristics such as age, fitness level, and pre-existing health conditions can affect susceptibility to heat stress and sensitivity to wildfire smoke.
WorkSafeBC recommends several actions for employers to protect their workers:
- Involve Workers and Safety Committees: Engage employees in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and developing risk reduction strategies. Encourage employees to consider their personal risk factors, such as medications and pre-existing conditions.
- Develop Risk Reduction Plans: For outdoor work, identify smoke exposure hazards, provide hydration, rest breaks, and shaded cooler areas. Review indoor environment concerns and ensure first-aid coverage and emergency procedures are in place.
- Implement Appropriate Controls: Use the hierarchy of controls to prioritize measures that eliminate or reduce hazards. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protection when necessary.
- Educate Workers: Ensure employees can recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress in themselves and their co-workers and know how to respond in emergencies.
- Adapt to Changing Conditions: Monitor heat and air quality conditions on-site and adjust work practices as needed. Schedule strenuous physical work during the coolest parts of the day where possible.
WorkSafeBC offers a range of online resources to help employers safeguard their workers from heat, smoke, and other emergencies. These resources include guidelines on heat stress, wildfire smoke FAQs, emergency evacuation planning, risk assessment, and risk control strategies.
WorkSafeBC is committed to preventing injury, disease, and disability in British Columbia. Serving 2.7 million workers and 280,000 employers across the province, WorkSafeBC provides compensation and support for work-related injuries or diseases, aiding in recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work.
