WCB Issues Caution on the Dangers of Heat Stress - July 2003

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is cautioning workers and employers about the dangers of heat stress and recommending steps to prevent unnecessary injury or even death.

George Stewart, Director of Occupational Health and Safety for the Workers Compensation Board, said “there is a real need for workers and employers to be aware of the potential for heat stress when working in hot and humid conditions.” Stewart emphasized that “it is important for employers to inform workers about the symptoms of heat stress and to take steps in avoiding heat stress. For example, employers should ensure that there is an adequate supply of fresh drinking water available at the workplace, and that workers have frequent access to it.”

Some ways to help employers and workers avoid heat stress this summer are:

• wear light coloured and loose fitting clothing
• wear a hat
• drink plenty of liquids, especially water and fluids with some sodium content
• listen to your body, learn to recognize the three main forms of heat stress and their symptoms

  – heat cramps (painful muscle spasms, excessive sweating)

  – heat exhaustion (headache, dizziness, weakness and

     nausea, clammy, moist skin)

  – heat stroke (hot, dry, flushed skin, severe headache,

     confusion, delirium, convulsions and loss of consciousness)

Carol Anne Duffy, Chief Executive Officer of the Workers Compensation Board, said “the workplace tasks of many Islanders take place in hot summer weather; we want to ensure that workers and employers are aware of the risks associated with heat stress and that they take all necessary precautions.” The Workers Compensation Board has developed a Guide to Heat Stress to assist workers and employers with basic information in order to minimize the health risks associated with heat stress in the workplace. To view the guide see Publications on the WCB website.

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

Tel: (902) 894-0362
Email: mabarrett@wcb.pe.ca