Heat Illness Prevention
The Problem
Heat-related illness is a serious health and safety hazard, particularly in hot weather or high-temperature environments. Without proper controls, it can develop quickly and lead to serious harm. The good news? Heat-related illness is preventable. Today, we’ll cover common heat-related risks and the steps we can take to protect ourselves and our coworkers on site.
Identify the Hazards
- Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Heavy sweating, tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and rapid breathing.
- Risks: Can progress to heat stroke if not addressed.
- Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency) Symptoms: High body temperature (39.5°C or higher), dry or hot skin, confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness.
- Risks: Can cause permanent damage or be fatal if not treated urgently.
- Other Hazards:
- Dehydration due to insufficient water intake.
- Overexertion in hot conditions without adequate breaks or shade.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Temperature Monitoring:
- Monitor ambient temperature and humidity regularly.
- Refer to the heat index to assess risk.
- Implement extra precautions when temperatures exceed 29°C.
- Appoint someone to monitor environmental conditions and worker health.
Work/Rest Schedules:
- Plan physically demanding work for early morning or late afternoon.
- Rotate tasks to prevent overexertion.
- Use structured break schedules:
- Extreme heat: At least 15 minutes rest every hour.
- Moderate heat: At least 30 minutes every two hours.
Water Availability:
- Provide cool drinking water (minimum 1 litre per person per hour).
- Place water close to work areas.
- Remind workers to drink regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid caffeine and energy drinks which increase dehydration risk.
Shade Requirements:
- Provide shaded or cool areas for breaks.
- Ensure shade is sufficient for at least 25% of the team.
- Position shade close to where work is being done.
Acclimatisation Procedures:
- Gradually introduce new or returning workers to hot environments over 1–2 weeks.
- Start with lighter duties and increase gradually.
- Monitor them closely for symptoms.
Emergency Response Plans:
- Display and train staff on heat-related emergency response procedures.
- Know how to recognise symptoms:
- Heat Exhaustion: Move to shade, rest, hydrate, monitor.
- Heat Stroke: Call 911, cool the worker immediately, and stay with them.
- Maintain communication systems for rapid response.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
Last summer, a worker on a roofing job ignored early signs of heat exhaustion and continued working without taking a break or staying hydrated. They collapsed from dehydration and were rushed to hospital. They recovered, but the incident could have been prevented with early intervention and proper rest breaks.
Employee Responsibilities
- Monitor yourself and your team for signs of heat-related illness.
- Take regular hydration and rest breaks.
- Use available shade and speak up if you feel unwell.
- Report any symptoms or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide cool drinking water, shaded rest areas, and scheduled breaks.
- Train workers on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of heat-related illness.
- Implement and maintain a written heat illness prevention plan.
- Monitor weather conditions and adjust work plans accordingly.
Discussion & Questions
- What signs of heat stress have you seen or experienced on site?
- What parts of our site get the hottest, and how can we make them safer?
- What other ideas do we have to help prevent heat illness?
Encourage sharing of ideas and past experiences to help everyone stay safe.
Commitment/Action Plan
From today forward, we commit to managing heat risks by staying hydrated, taking breaks in shaded areas, and watching for early warning signs. Every team member has a role to play in keeping the site safe.
Wrap-Up
Heat illness is 100% preventable. With teamwork, awareness, and good planning, we can protect everyone on site. Let’s stay alert, speak up, and make hydration and rest a priority.
Standards Overview
In Canada, employers are required to:
- Provide access to drinking water, shade, and rest facilities.
- Monitor environmental conditions and adjust work practices accordingly.
- Train workers to identify and respond to heat-related illnesses.
- Comply with applicable provincial and territorial occupational health and safety legislation, supported by national guidelines from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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