WorkSafe advising employers to consider workplace closures during heat wave

With extreme temperatures in many parts of B.C., WorkSafeBC is advising employers to consider closing down their workplaces if workers cannot be protected from the risk of heat stress.

At least one Vernon businesses has already taken such action, with Nicholas Alexanders Home and Garden saying on Facebook they closed early due to the heat on Saturday, June 26.

“We will be open tomorrow morning through the next week for minimal hours until the heat dome passes.
Sorry for the inconvenience,” the business posted.

WorkSafe’s head of prevention, Al Johnson, said all workers are potentially at risk for heat stress.

“If not recognized and treated early, heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” Johnson said

WorkSafe requires employers to conduct heat stress assessments. As appropriate, employers must have a heat stress mitigation plan that provides education and training in recognizing the symptoms of heat stress and heat stroke.

“If an employer cannot be assured that workers will be protected against heat stress, they should seriously consider shutting down their workplace during this extreme heat,” said Johnson.

In the last three years, there have been almost 100 accepted claims for work-related injuries caused by heat stress — and these are preventable injuries.

Learn more about heat stress at worksafebc.com.