Both Alberta and Ontario have begun to announce official warnings that this summer will bring extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 30°C and higher. As the temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stress – an increasingly urgent occupational health concern. For workers in high-risk environments such as oil and gas, prolonged exposure to heat isn’t just uncomfortable – it can even be fatal.
Understanding the health impacts of heat stress and adopting proactive monitoring strategies is essential to safeguard worker well-being and maintain productivity.
What Is Heat Stress?
Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself adequately through sweating. It can lead to a range of heat-related illnesses, including:
- Heat rash – skin irritation caused by excessive sweating
- Heat cramps – painful muscle spasms due to salt loss
- Heat exhaustion – fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalance
- Heat stroke – A life-threatening condition where the body temperature exceeds 40°C
It may also impair cognitive function, increasing the risk of accidents, and lowering productivity rates.
Who Is at Risk?
Workers in outdoor and high-temperature environments are especially vulnerable. This includes:
- Construction and road crews
- Oilfield workers
- Agricultural laborers
- Emergency responders
Factors like heavy personal protective equipment, lack of acclimatization, high humidity, and strenuous labor can also add to the higher risks of heat stress.
The Role of Monitoring Your Team
Preventing heat stress begins with understanding the risks and then actively monitoring conditions. Key components of heat stress monitoring include:
1. Environmental
Using heat index tools to help track real-time conditions. This allows teams to anticipate hazardous periods and adjust workloads or schedules accordingly.
2. Physiological
Some tools can help provide early warning signs of heat strain before symptoms become too severe. Be sure to pay extra close attention to employees with medical conditions or those on medication, as these may put an employee at an even greater risk.
3. Limit Noise Exposure
Noise is a stressor. Loud or constant noise can activate your nervous system, triggering high blood pressure, increased heart rates, and elevated cortisol levels. When the body is already fighting the heat, these stress responses stack up fast and further increase the risk of heat stress.
4. Hydration and Education
Regular hydration is critical. Ensure workers have access to cool water and are trained to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.
Building a Culture of Prevention
Preventing heat stress isn’t just about policies – it’s a mindset. Supervisors and safety leaders must establish a proactive safety culture where heat risks are recognized, taken seriously and addressed before incidents occur. Encourage regular breaks, hydration, and early reporting of symptoms. Treat heat stress prevention with the same urgency as any other life-threatening hazard.
Because in high heat, a few simple actions can be the difference between a safe shift–and a serious emergency. Learn more about proactive employee injury / illness prevention at www.precedeohs.com
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