Cold and Heat Stress Awareness Safety

Regulation 851 for Industrial Establishments does not provide any maximum temperature requirements. The only reference to workplace temperature is found under Section 129. (1)(b). This section states that an enclosed workplace, where it would be reasonable to control ambient temperature, shall be maintained at a temperature not less than 18° Celsius.

Due to the large number of variables, it is almost impossible for the Regulations to set specific temperature requirements. Regardless of this fact, employers have a duty under section 25(2)(h) and supervisors under section 27(2)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. This includes developing hot and cold environment policies and procedures to protect workers in hot and cold environments.

Heat illness can be a matter of life and death. Workers die from heat stroke every summer and every death is preventable. When heat stroke does not kill immediately, it can shut down major body organs causing acute heart, liver, kidney and muscle damage, nervous system problems, and blood disorders. Workers suffering from heat exhaustion are at greater risk for accidents, since they are less alert and can be confused. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

Hypothermia, is also covered, as it can be a concern with workers exposed in the outdoors, or within refrigerated working environments. 

Learning Objectives

Participants Will Have an Understanding of the Following:  

HOT ENVIRONMENTS

• Hot Environments and the Human Body
• Sources of Heat Gain and Heat Loss
• Body’s Response to Temperature Variations
• Heat-Related Illnesses
• Factors Contributing to Heat-Related Illnesses
• Acclimatization
• Acclimatization Schedule
• Measurement of Occupational Heat Exposure
• Heat Exposure Limits
• Prevention and Control Measures

COLD ENVIRONMENTS

• Environment and the Human Body
• Factors that Contribute to the Risk of Cold Injury
• Adequate Insulating Dry Clothing
• Warm-Up Periods
• Workplace Monitoring
• Older Workers or Workers with Circulation Problems
• Evaluation & Control