Ontario temperatures have already hit record highs this summer, increasing the danger for heat-related workplace health hazards and prompting safety inquiries. Workplace parties need to educate themselves on the hazards and precautionary measures that can prevent heat related illnesses.

Heat stress

Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attack, and other health incidents. When exposed to extreme heat, the body's core temperature rises, increasing the heart rate to dangerous levels.
Employers have a duty under Section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers. This includes developing policies and procedures to protect workers who have direct physical contact with hot equipment, are exposed to radiant heat sources, or are working in hot weather.

Knowing When to Shut Down

When the humidex gets too high, work and other activities may need to be shut down. By calculating Heat Stress Time-Weighted Averages, you can know when a shut-down is needed. See our Humidex page with explanation and video describing time weighted average humidex calculations, the Heat Stress Response Plan, and more information.

Wildfire Smoke

Starting as early as May, wildfire smoke started billowing from the Prairies and moving into Ontario. By mid July, air quality is at a 10 for the GTA and surrounding areas. The government of Canada offers up-to-date information on the state of wildfires and air quality.

WILDFIRE UPDATES  AIR QUALITY HEALTH INDEX

Wildfire Infographic

Produced by OHCOW, this 4-page infographic covers the signs and symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure as well as tips for prevention when working indoors and outdoors. We also cover employer responsibilities, provide AQHI health recommendations as well as links to additional tools and resources. This is a great resource for posting in your workplace or downloading and printing as a handout for workers or training sessions.

This PDF is available in the following languages:
ENGLISH  |  FRANÇAIS  |  ESPANOL  |  TAGALOG  |  VIETNAMESE   | THAI

In the Hot Seat

Our best and most extensive webinar about occupational heat stress! Get information about the basics of heat stress and illnesses, the experiences of workers in Canada and the United States, and efforts to deal with the hazard. Hosted by OHCOW Occupational Health Specialist Dorothy Wigmore, Features a variety of speakers and topics. PDF slides for each presentation available.

In the Hot Seat Webinar