Means of prevention for workers
– Adjust your work pace according to your acclimatization to the heat and climatic conditions (e.g.: heat, humidity, sunshine)
– Take breaks (every hour, and of an appropriate length depending on the temperature) in the shade or in a cool place
– Drink at least one glass of fresh water every 20 minutes, or more frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty, as indicated in the
– Corrected Air Temperature (TAC) utility of the Robert-Sauvé – Research Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (IRSST)
Wear light, light-colored clothing, preferably cotton, to help sweat evaporate
– Cover your head when working outside
– Work in teams or pairs and avoid working alone
– Be extra careful if you have health problems or are taking medication.
– Stop work at the first symptoms of discomfort
– Immediately report to coworkers, first aiders, and the supervisor any symptoms experienced or unusual behavior of another worker
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES:
– Assess the risk
Generally, the risk increases as air temperature, humidity, and sunlight levels rise. The risk is also greater for workers performing sustained physical effort and for those who are not yet acclimatized.
How to assess the risk?
Consult the pamphlet Working in the Heat… Watch Out!, available on the CNESST website. It’s a tool that helps quickly assess the level of risk the worker is exposed to.
– Prevent heat stroke
It’s simply a matter of applying prevention measures that take into account a combination of factors related to the climate, work organization, the nature of the tasks, and the health condition of the workers.
Is the Employer jeopardizing the health of you and your colleagues and not taking any preventative measures or forcing you beyond what is considered safe? You have the right to refuse unsafe work, but there is a procedure you should follow outlined here: https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/…/right-refuse-perform-task
Finally, report unsafe working conditions to the CNESST here: Contact the inspector on duty by calling 1 844 838-0808 , option 1. Your report will be treated confidentially.
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