By Daryl Major

WorkSafeBC issues heat stress alert for outdoor workers

Aug 25, 2016 | 11:40 AM

NANAIMO — When the mercury soars, there are a lot of warnings for people who choose to head outside.

The young, elderly and those with health conditions are warned to avoid the heat and stay hydrated.

But people that work outside don’t have a choice, and they can be at just as high of a risk.

With temperatures predicted to be at or above 30 degrees Thursday and Friday in Nanaimo, WorkSafeBC is alerting employers and employees about the risks of heat related stress and stroke.

Dan Strand, director of prevention field services for WorkSafeBC, says heat stress claims last year were up over historical averages.

permanent home

'We're hugely grateful:' Nanaimo Men's Shed group finds a place to call home

3h ago

Making an impact

Nanaimo woman publishes books to open awareness of neurodiverse children

15h ago

iconic voice

Legendary hockey broadcaster Bob Cole, a welcome voice for a half-century, dead at 90

22h ago

“Last year what we saw were 24 workers in British Columbia losing days from work due to heat stress related injuries. Historically what we’ve seen is an average of about 19,” said Strand.

In 2015 there were four heat stress related injuries on Vancouver Island, one of them in Nanaimo.

If someone is at risk, there are warning signs, according to Strand.

“What employees and employers have to recognize is heat stress occurs when your internal body temperature increases faster than you can cool . Those symptoms include excess sweating, dizziness and nausea.”

Strand recommends workers stay hydrated, take breaks in shaded areas and save the hardest physical work for cooler parts of the day.