As temperatures begin to rise across British Columbia, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to prepare for summer weather hazards before conditions become dangerous.
The agency says heat, wildfire smoke and ultraviolet (UV) exposure can all pose serious health risks to workers, particularly those spending long hours outdoors.
“Don’t wait for a heat wave or smoky skies to start planning for these hazards,” said Todd McDonald, head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC, in a news release Monday.
Workers in industries common throughout Northeast B.C., including construction, transportation, agriculture and oil and gas services, may face a higher risk of heat-related illness during the summer months.
WorkSafeBC notes that heat stress can lead to serious health effects, with symptoms ranging from excessive sweating and muscle cramps to dizziness, nausea and confusion.
Employers are being encouraged to monitor workplace conditions, provide cool drinking water, schedule strenuous work during cooler parts of the day and ensure workers have access to shaded or cooled recovery areas.
The agency is also warning employers to prepare for wildfire smoke, which can affect air quality across the region during the summer months.
WorkSafeBC says employers should monitor air quality forecasts, adjust work schedules when smoke levels increase, reduce strenuous outdoor activities when possible and ensure ventilation systems are functioning properly.
Outdoor workers are also being reminded to protect themselves from UV exposure. According to WorkSafeBC, outdoor workers are 3.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer than indoor workers due to prolonged sun exposure.
The agency recommends using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade when possible and monitoring the UV index throughout the summer.
WorkSafeBC says prevention officers will be conducting inspections this summer to ensure employers have assessed weather-related risks and implemented appropriate safety measures.