TORONTO — As Ontario and southwestern Quebec continue to experience extremely high temperatures throughout Monday and Tuesday, workers are being advised to exercise caution and take care of themselves in this heat.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the area on Saturday, saying hot and humid conditions will likely continue until Wednesday.
In Toronto, the agency says the city saw a daytime high of 35 C on Sunday, with the humidex making it feel like 46 degrees at times.
The dangerously high temperatures are expected to affect communities from southwestern Ontario and north to Sudbury and Timmins.
Workers can experience heat stress wherever operations involve heavy physical labour in hot, humid environments. The locations may be indoors or outdoors. Protective clothing can also contribute to the problem.
The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) reports a series of disorders can develop from heat stress, ranging from discomfort and pain (heat rash and heat cramps) to life-threatening conditions (heat exhaustion and heat stroke).
Some tips for employers include:
- Give workers frequent breaks in a cool area away from heat. The area should not be so cool that it causes cold shock – around 25°C is ideal.
- Increase air movement by using fans where possible. This encourages body cooling through the evaporation of sweat.
- Provide unlimited amounts of cool (not cold) drinking water conveniently located.
- Allow sufficient time for workers to become acclimatized.
- Make allowances for workers who must wear personal protective clothing and equipment that retains heat and restricts the evaporation of sweat.
- Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day; schedule routine maintenance and repair work in hot areas for the cooler seasons of the year.
- Consider the use of cooling vests containing ice packs or ice water to help rid bodies of excess heat.
For workers some tips include:
- Wearing light, loose clothing that permits the evaporation of sweat.
- Drink small amounts of water —8 ounces (250 ml) — every half hour or so. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Avoid beverages such as tea, coffee that make you pass urine more frequently.
- Where personal PPE must be worn,
- use the lightest weight clothing and respirators available
- wear light-colored garments that absorb less heat from the sun
- use PPE that allows sweat to evaporate.
The IHSA has more resources and information available here.
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