You are reading the Original Version (CLB5+) Read Simple Version (CLB3-4) Do you perform strenuous work under the sun? Or do you work indoors but must bear extreme temperatures because of machinery or tools? Then you are susceptible to occupational heat stress and other heat-related illnesses. According to UFCW Canada, most at-risk workers include those employed in bakeries, food processing, canneries, restaurants, and laundries, where temperatures can rise to extreme levels, particularly in the summer months. Outdoor workers, such as farmworkers, parks and recreation staff, and landscapers, are also susceptible to heat stress during the summer. Older workers, especially those with medical conditions or are under certain medications, are at a higher risk. A very hot work environment can cause a variety of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, fainting, heat rash and transient heat fatigue, and finally heat stroke. Below is a chart showing symptoms and first aid measures to take if a worker shows signs of heat-related illness Occupational Safety and Health Administration, US Dept. of Labor): 7 tips and strategies on how workers can avoid heat-related illness from Canadian Occupational Safety: 7 ways to beat the heat, Canadian HR Reporter Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
Heat-related illnesses and safety problems
Ways to beat the heat
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Sources: Health and safety environment, UFCW Canada; Top 10 tips for handling summer heat, Western Farm Press; Heat-related illnesses and first-aid, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, US Dept. of Labor; and 7 ways to beat the heat when working outdoors, The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. All retrieved July 19, 2018.We'd love to hear from you!