Working In The Heat

This year, some regions have already experienced heatwaves very early in the spring. Some northern regions have also experienced heat waves lasting several days, which is rather unusual. Wildfires and air quality have been on the news across the country since early spring and will be until the end of Summer, according to experts in the field. This will certainly be a source of concern for workers throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to encourage your co-workers to read our previous bulletins on air quality, as well as the following precautions to be taken when working during heatwaves.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS

Slow down. Your body will not perform at its best in high temperatures.

Take all the breaks provided for in the collective agreement, if possible away from the heat. Pushing straight through is not the answer.

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Stay away from coffee and energy drinks, as they have a tendency to dehydrate the body.

Use sunscreen.  Carry it with you and re-apply every 20-30 minutes. Sunburn restricts the body’s cooling system.

Wear a hat, and loose, lightweight clothing.

Wash or disinfect your hands frequently.

Maintain salt levels in your body. If you are on a salt-free diet, check with your doctor. Avoid high-protein foods, such as meat and legumes, as they can increase your body’s water loss and heat production.

PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HEAT MAY CAUSE THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

Heat cramps

Usual symptoms: muscle spasms, heavy sweating, extreme thirst, nausea, cold and clammy skin.

• Treatment: Move victim to cool, shaded area to rest, and apply firm pressure to cramping muscles. If cramps persist, give victim two glasses of salty water every 10 to 15 minutes. (Mix 5 mg of salt to 1 litre of water).                                                                                                               

Heat exhaustion

Usual symptoms: sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, low blood pressure, disorientation, vomiting.

• Treatment: Move victim to cool area to rest; give salty water and cover person if shivering. Seek medical help immediately.

Heat stroke

Usual symptoms: weakness, headache, hot and dry skin, dilated pupils, offensive body odour, sharply rising body temperature, pulse pounding and full, elevated blood pressure, delirium or coma.

• Treatment: Have victim taken to hospital immediately. While waiting for medical assistance, move victim to cool, shaded area and sponge body with cool water, letting water evaporate to reduce body temperature.

Take care and report incidents

There are no federal regulations on exposure to heat. If you attempt your work and find it to be unsafe, you can exercise your right to refuse unsafe work. How? Inform your supervisor and your shop steward that you wish to exercise your right of refusal, pursuant to clause 33.13 of the collective agreement for members of the urban unit. RSMCs and members of private sector units can exercise their right of refusal according to the appropriate measures included in Part II of the Canada Labour Code.

Report every incident due to exposure to heat. An investigation must be conducted by the supervisor in the presence of a union representative.

In Solidarity,