Construction workers can be particularly prone to heat stress on days when temperatures exceed 30 degrees and their job offers little respite from the direct heat. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

stay safe

‘Serious injuries or even death:’ extended sizzling weather bringing caution to heat-related illness

Jul 26, 2022 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — A heat warning remains in effect for the region, bringing into focus the dangers associated with prolonged hot weather.

The forecasted daytime high for Nanaimo on Tuesday, July 26 is 35 degrees and is part of a consistent stretch of above-30 degree days coupled with overnight lows in the high teens.

WorksafeBC’s Suzanna Prpic said those conditions lend themselves to compounding issues for workers of all types.

“It is important to consider whether workers are working outdoors on a farm or construction site, or indoors in a restaurant, kitchen or in a factory or warehouse. Heat stress can cause serious injuries or even death.”

Prpic added the heat dome event of 2021, which saw temperatures soar north of 40 degrees has helped with awareness of the dangers of heat stress.

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Last year alone, WorksafeBC accepted 115 claims related to heat, up 185 per cent from the three year average.

Seventy-four came from outdoor workers, while the remaining 41 were indoor and of the total number of claims accepted for heat in 2021, 71 were during or immediately after the late June-early July heat dome event.

Prpic said employers must be proactive in providing safe spaces for people to work during these heat events.

“Can workers be acclimatized gradually? Because it takes about seven days of working in a really hot environment until the body gets used to that. Can greater amounts of water be provided before and well in advance of thirst setting in?”

Several communities are enacting cooling centres to help deal with the heat, including Qualicum Beach who will have a room open at the Civic Centre between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, July 29.

People in areas without dedicated cooling centres are being guided toward indoor malls or recreation facilities with air conditioning.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

‘Serious injuries or even death:’ extended sizzling weather bringing caution to heat-related illness

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