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In many of our workplaces, the arrival of summer weather is accompanied by more work outdoors. Construction and maintenance projects, field work and other outdoor activities present new hazards that may not be encountered elsewhere. Here are a few outdoor health & safety issues to consider for your hazard assessments.
Sun Exposure
Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage skin cells, which may lead to sunburn, premature aging of the skin, or even skin cancer.1 UV radiation can also damage your eyes and weaken your immune system.2 Be aware of the daily UV index, which can be found in weather reports or on the Internet.
UV Index and Environment Canada Sun Protection Messages2
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UV Index
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Description
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Sun Protection Actions
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0-2
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Low
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Wear sunglasses on bright days. If outside for more than one hour, cover up and use sunscreen.
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3-5
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Moderate
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Take precautions – cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen – especially if you will be outside for 30 minutes or more. Look for shade near midday when sun is strongest.
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6-7
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High
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Reduce time in the sun between 11 AM and 4 PM and take full precautions (as above).
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8-10
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Very High
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Extra precautions required – unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.
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11+
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Extreme
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11+ is rare in Canada. Take full precautions.
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Heat Stress
Hot summer temperatures can create uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, conditions.
Heat stroke can be fatal if not treated immediately.3 Furthermore, victims won’t usually be able to recognize their own heat stroke symptoms – so it’s important that others recognize what’s happening. Common symptoms include: weakness; confusion or strange behaviour; difficulty breathing; hot, dry, red skin; elevated pulse; headache or dizziness. At advanced stages of heat stroke the victim may pass out or have convulsions.4,5 Call for medical help immediately, remove excess clothing from the victim, offer sips of cool water, and fan or spray the victim with cool water.4
Minimize the effects of workplace heat stress:
- Use engineering controls to enhance evaporation, reduce humidity or shield workers from radiant heat.
- Acclimatize workers; allow them to gradually get used to increased heat levels.
- Replenish water lost through sweating. Workers should drink 250 millilitres (1 cup) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid drinking caffeine, alcohol, and sweet beverages.
- Provide frequent rests away from heat; implement a work-rest regime6.
- Choose clothes that allow sweat to evaporate.
- Train workers and supervisors about the adverse effects of working in hot environments, how to recognize the symptoms of heat disorders, first aid procedures, as well as the benefits and procedures for managing heat stress in their workplace.
Adverse Weather Conditions
The weather can change quickly and drastically. Be prepared for the sudden onset of storms and know what to do if extreme weather conditions develop.
Severe Weather Safety Hints from Environment Canada7 (Excerpts)
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- Be aware of wind gusts. Fasten down or take indoors moveable objects.
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- Avoiding standing near tall objects such as trees or utility poles.
- Stay away from open water. Avoid metal objects.
- In open country drop to your knees, bend forward so your head is lower than your back, put your hands on your thighs but don’t let your head touch the ground. Don’t lie flat on the ground.
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- If caught outdoors, reduce chances of injury by crouching down and protecting your head and neck as much as possible.
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- If caught in the open, move away from the tornado’s path at a right angle.
- If unable to avoid the tornado, find a ditch, ravine, or other depression and lie flat.
- Do not remain in your vehicle, as you may be trapped if it overturns.
- Get indoors if possible. The safest place is in the basement.
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Wildlife
Wildlife may be encountered in the backcountry, and even near populated areas. Bears, cougars, elk and other wildlife can be dangerous. Parks Canada offers the following advice8:
- “Make noise. ‘Bear bells’ are not loud enough – clap, call out or sing instead…
- Be particularly alert in dense forest or vegetation, near running water and when traveling into the wind. Bears or cougars may not be able to hear or smell you.
- Travel in groups of three or more and keep children within reach.
- Watch for signs. If you see fresh tracks, diggings, droppings, or come across a dead animal – leave the area. Don’t linger in feeding areas such as berry patches…
- Camp in designated areas. Avoid camping near running water, thick brush, or berry patches.”
Useful References:
1. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS), OSH Answers website www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/skin_cancer.html
2. “Protecting Yourself – UV Index and Sun Protection”, Environment Canada, Meteorological Service of Canada
www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/education/uvindex/protecting_yourself_e.html
3. “Too Much of a Good Thing – The Hazards of Summer Heat”, Health & Safety Report, Volume 2, Issue 6, June 2004, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety.
4. Working in Hot Environments: Health & Safety Guide, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, 96 pages, 2005.
5. “OSHA Quick Card – Protect Yourself: Heat Stress”, US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.html
6. 2006 TLVs and BEIs, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, www.acgih.org/store
7. “Fact Sheet: Summer Severe Weather Safety Hints” Environment Canada website, http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/severe/summertips_e.html
8. “Keep the Wild in Wildlife: Backcountry Travel”, Parks Canada website, http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/guide/nature/nature07_e.asp
9. “Have a Safe Summer”, Guzzardi & Associates website, http://www.guzzardiassociatesohc.com/feature11.html
10. “Beat the Heat: How to Deal with Heat Stress in the Workplace, Guzzardi & Associates website, http://www.guzzardiassociatesohc.com/feature10.html
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