The Lloydminster Construction Association is reminding workers to be prepared when outside. Temperatures in the prairies are said to reach the 30-degree mark this week which can affect those constantly outdoors.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their workers by providing things like a cooling station where workers can rest and give extra breaks if needed.
President of the Construction Association John Winter says it’s important that workers know the precautions to take during high temperatures.
” We have plenty of tailgate meetings and safety talks. Hydration is definitely stressed when the weather is getting warm.”
The Government of Alberta urges those with early signs of heat stress to seek treatment immediately. Getting out of the sun and drinking water is the first step to combating heat stress. Symptoms such as a headache, dizziness, fatigue, heavy sweating, muscle cramps and changes to breathing and pulse rate can lead to heat stroke. which requires immediate medical attention.
Winter is also the president for Cooper Concrete and says even though his workers are seasoned precautions still need to be taken.
“We try and work in the morning and not at the heat of the day. That way you are not doing your most physically demanding work at that point.”
Due to the poor air quality warnings in Lloydminster and area, OHS is reminding employers to keep an eye on public heat warnings and alter the work to reduce levels of physical activity to decrease inhaling pollutants.