Ontario Construction News staff writer
With heat warnings in effect across southern Ontario, officials are reminding construction employers of their legal responsibilities to protect workers from heat stress on job sites.
Daytime temperatures in some parts of Ontario are forecasted to reach between 29 and 33C and in Toronto on Monday afternoon the temperature was 36C with a humidex of 44C.
Officials are urging workers  to take action to protect themselves and others, as extreme heat can be dangerous.
Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to direct sunlight and humidity exposure. Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue.
Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers has reminded members that if employers are not taking appropriate steps to help workers avoid heat stroke and exhaustion, they should contact their business representative.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, drink a cup of water every 20 minutes and wear light-colored clothing when working in such conditions.
If you are concerned that employers are not taking appropriate steps to help workers avoid heat stroke and exhaustion, contact your business representative.
For more information on how to prepare for and recognize heat-related symptoms, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-heat-stress-work and for the latest Heat Warning Alert from Environment Canada, visit https://weather.gc.ca
Working under extreme heat can cause bodily stress and heat-related illnesses, especially in physically demanding industries like construction. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high humidity can increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke — both of which may become life-threatening if not addressed quickly.
Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers and supervisors must take every reasonable precaution to protect workers. That includes implementing policies and procedures to prevent heat-related illnesses.
A proper heat stress prevention program should include:
- Monitoring weather conditions and acting on heat warnings
- Adjusting work schedules to avoid peak afternoon heat
- Providing shaded or cool rest areas
- Encouraging hydration — at least one cup of water every 20 minutes
- Training workers on the signs and symptoms of heat stress
- Ensuring emergency response procedures are in place
Other preventative steps include wearing light-coloured clothing and scheduling heavy tasks for cooler times of day. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and should be treated by calling 911 immediately.
Workers with pre-existing health conditions, certain medications, or who are wearing heavy protective equipment may be more vulnerable to heat stress. Acclimatization early in the season is also important, as workers may not yet be used to high temperatures.
More information on employer responsibilities and workplace heat safety can also be found on the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s website.