Summer has officially arrived. If you're working this summer, it's time to think about heat stress in the workplace. The health and safety of you, and other employees, at your place of employment is imperative. Safety is everyone's responsibility. Safety starts with you.
Liberty Staffing provides staffing solutions to warehouse, manufacturing, and office sectors throughout Ontario. The temperature in these work facilities can become warm, especially during summer months.
If you're an employee of Liberty Staffing Services, and you're currently out on assignment with us, we would like to provide you with some information regarding heat stress in the workplace, and what to do if you or a coworker experiences these symptoms.
Your safety is our number one priority. You have the right to refuse any unsafe work.
What is Heat Stress?
Heat stress is caused when working under hot, humid conditions, combined with physical labour, loss of fluids, fatigue, stress, or a pre-existing medical condition. Heat stress can happen to anybody, regardless of fitness level or age.
Signs and Symptoms
- Various heat related conditions include: heat stroke, heat rash, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and fainting
- Heat stroke: high body temperature, hot/red skin, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, high level of confusion, and strange behaviour
- Heat rash: red, bumpy rash on the skin
- Heat exhaustion: heavy breathing, strong thirst, nausea, high body temperature, tired/weak limbs, and blurred vision
- Fainting: weak pulse and clammy skin
What to Do
- Recognize the signs of heat related conditions and seek help/medical attention immediately
- Take frequent water breaks in a shaded, air conditioned area
- If working outdoors, always wear sunscreen, and drink cold water throughout the day
- Always work with a buddy, and keep a close watch on them
- Wear lightweight, and light coloured clothing
- Call emergency services immediately if you, or a coworker shows any signs of heat stress in the workplace
Heat stress in the workplace should be taken very seriously. If you have any further questions about heat stress, contact Liberty Staffing.
