Construction workers at risk with high temperatures ahead

“It is going to be hot and we have a lot of precautions that we recommend. Wear a hat, sunscreen, stay hydrated and where possible we start work earlier so people aren’t working at the hottest part of the day,” said Health and Safety Manager for the City of Prince George, Steven Langton.

The heat also poses new challenges for construction workers.

“When you are dealing with construction equipment, there is a lot of metal in equipment. People then have to wear PPE to protect themselves against hot metal. The machinery and equipment also gives off heat and in the heat, that problem can be exacerbated and made a lot worse, continued Langton.

Temperatures are expected to exceed the highest that Prince George has seen for June throughout the weekend.

“This is due to a very strong ridge of high pressure that is building over BC almost up to the Yukon border. This is historical, we haven’t seen a ridge of high pressure this strong especially June,” continued Sekhon.

Aside from health concerns with these temperatures, river levels are expected to rise due to glacier melt and there is a higher risk for wildfires.

“We’ll be seeing some high elevation snow and glacier melts which will have rivers flowing faster. Keep in mind, if you are looking to jump into a lake or river the water will be moving pretty fast,” added Sekhon.

by Taya Fast

Construction workers at risk with high temperatures ahead

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