By Veronica Beltran

preventing heat stress

TYH: Heat stress and how outdoor workers can prevent it

Aug 20, 2019 | 12:55 PM

Although this summer hasn’t really felt like summer, there have been a few hot days in the forecast and for those who work outdoors it can have a toll.

Heat Stress–it can happen to anyone spending time in the hot sun, usually the young and elderly are most at risk, however those working in it can be affected too.

Barry Nakahara, Senior Manager Prevention Field Services with WorksafeBC says that the idea of protecting ourselves from the sun can escape us–given that hot summer sun isn’t something we see a lot of throughout the year, “so when it does happen it’s good to remind people of the signs and symptoms and the factors that can increase the risk of heat stress.”

Symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

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“You try and and catch that–any sort of heat exhaustion before they get to that point, where they are feeling ill. We try and mitigate the circumstances,” said Ray Bibby, Owner of Core Landscaping in town. He mentions that during the summer small and regular breaks are what his crews take in order to help prevent any sort of heat exhaustion. According to WorksafeBC heat related injuries are easily preventable if the right measures are taken.

Ensuring that you take the right precautions is imperative to preventing the illness, “get in the shade frequently, drink plenty of fluids, coverup, a hat or a longer sleeved light shirt… things like that,” said Bibby. Last year WorksafeBC has 38 accepted claims in the province for work related injuries caused by Heat Stress.