Caution urged for those working outdoors in hot weather
With a heatwave hitting much of the province this week, employers and workers are reminded to take special precautions when working outside as hot weather can be a workplace hazard.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers are required to take all reasonable steps to make sure their employees are protected in the hot weather.
Lauren Welsh with Alberta Labour says there are some things employers can do when giving everyone the day off is not an option.
“Provide plenty of cool drinking water, have a cooling station where workers can rest in the shade, reduce physical activity, give extra breaks, and allow workers to get acclimatized. That means gradually increasing the amount of work they do outdoors so their body get can used to the hot weather,” she said.
Anyone who is working outside should watch for signs of heat stress, which can develop into heat stroke.