With the first heat wave of the summer in the forecast, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and the Canadian Cancer Society, PEI division reminds all Islanders to take precautions to avoid heat stress at work.

Heat stress refers to a variety of heat-related disorders, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can lead to serious or even fatal injury. Symptoms may include weakness, muscle pain, light-headedness, nausea and high body temperatures.

Environmental hazards such as exposure to heat, high humidity and limited air flow can cause heat stress. Contributing factors may also include the worker’s hydration level, clothing, and physical exertion.

“Heat stress is an important issue and should not be taken lightly,” said Danny Miller, Director of Occupational Health and Safety. “If you are working outside this summer, it is important to be aware of the hazards so that you can take adequate precautions to control the risks and to recognize the signs of heat stress.”

The following preventive steps to help reduce the risk of heat stress:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit sun exposure (11am-4pm highest UV rays) and wear sunscreen.
• Cover exposed skin with loose fitting, tightly woven clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Have adequate ventilation in the workplace.
• Take breaks in the shade or an air conditioned space, if possible.
• Keep everyone safe by providing adequate supervision and using a buddy system to watch for signs of heat stress in co-workers. Early detection is critical.

If you experience the initial signs of heat stress, remove yourself from the environment, drink water, monitor the symptoms and advise someone in case you need further assistance or medical treatment.

“If you work outdoors, your exposure to the sun may be much more frequent and prolonged,” said Jane Farquharson, Executive Director of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. “To protect yourself, wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, and wear a broad spectrum sunscreen and because your exposure is higher than most people, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.”

More information is available in Guide to the Prevention of Heat Stress at Work at www.wcb.pe.ca.  To learn more visit the WCB website or call 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049. For additional information on being safe in the sun call the Canadian Cancer Society at 1-888-939-3333 or visit www.cancer.ca.  

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