WorkSafe BC reminding employers, workers of safety policies during heatwave

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The start of the coming work week will bring some of the hottest temperatures of this heatwave, and the province’s workplace watchdog is reminding workplaces of heat policies.

The B.C. Occupational Health and Safety Code says if a worker is exposed to conditions that could push their core body temperature above 38 degrees — which is fever level — the employer has to implement a heat stress exposure plan.

Barry Nakahara from WorkSafe BC says, depending on circumstances, that plan could include several things.

“Setting up workplaces where you can to provide shade and drinking water and cool areas and making sure that workers are advised of the heat implications.”

Nakahara also says that workplaces could implement different procedures during hot weather.

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“One of the more effective things, depending on the type of work you’re doing, is to look at rescheduling work or limiting the amount of work that exposes people to heat in the hot parts of the day — scheduling around it.”

However, he also says that there are no hard and fast rules for how often workers should be taking breaks while working.

“Outside it depends on a number of factors, the humidity the temperature, the type of exertion that you’re putting out as a worker.

He’s reminding those who work outside to pay attention to their body and watch for symptoms of heat stroke, which can include nausea, dizziness, and a lack of sweating. Heat exhaustion signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, clammy skin, and dizziness.