8/17/2019 July06 Heat
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Central Ontario
NETWORK BULLETINPlease copy this bulletin and distribute as
widely as possible.
A publication of the Central Ontario Regional Labour-Management
Health and Safety Committeewith the support of the Construction
Safety Association of Ontario.
[email protected] www.csao.org
HEAT STRESSFeeling hot, Hot, HOT!!
HEAT STRESSWhat is heat stress?Heat stress takes place when your
body’s coolingsystem is overwhelmed. It can happen when
heatcombines with other factors such as hard physical work
fatigue (not enough sleep)
dehydration (loss of fluids) certain medical conditions.Heat
stress can lead to illness or even death.
Employers! legal requirementsEmployers have a duty under Section
25 (2) (h)of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to
takeevery precaution reasonable in the circumstancesto protect the
worker. This includes developingpolicies and procedures for hot
environments.
Heat stress symptoms
Heat rash: itchy red skin. Heat cramps: painful muscle cramps.
Heat exhaustion: high body temperature;
weakness or feeling faint; headache, confusionor
irrational behaviour; nausea or vomiting.
Heat stroke: no sweating (hot, dry skin),high body temperature,
confusion, or convulsions. Get immediate medical help.
Follow these procedures when working in hot, humid conditions1)
Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks.2) Provide cool
drinking water near workers and remind them to drink a cup every
1/2 hour.
3) Caution workers about working in direct sunlight.4) Train
workers to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress. Start a
“buddy system”
because it’s unlikely people will notice their own symptoms.5)
Tell workers to wear light summer clothing to allow air to move
freely and sweat
to evaporate. They should always wear shirts to protect
themselves from direct sunlight.
Download this poster from www.csao.org
