Heat stroke occurs suddenly when the body is no longer able to cool itself sufficiently.
CALCULATE YOUR HEAT STROKE RISK LEVEL
Step 1—Click here to access the calculator
Step 2—Follow these tips, depending on your risk level:
Green zone: Risk is low, but know the dangers and symptoms you should watch out for.
Pale green zone: Risk is greater. Check with your employer whether you can postpone nonessential, arduous tasks to a later or cooler time of day.
Yellow-orange zone: Risk is increasing. Your employer must take preventive measures such as reducing the workload or increasing break frequency.
Red zone: Danger! Your employer must implement preventive measures immediately before continuing work.
HOW TO PREVENT A HEAT STROKE
- Drink cool water at least every 20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty!
- Take regular breaks, in the shade or in a cool place, if possible.
- Wear light-coloured lightweight cotton clothing.
- Wear a hat to cover your head when working outdoors.
- Take extra care if you are taking medication, have health problems or have recently been ill.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE
Level 1:
Dizziness, vertigo, unusual fatigue
What to do: Stop work immediately and notify the first-aid attendant and a supervisor without delay.
Level 2:
Incoherent speech or confusion, loss of balance, loss of consciousness
What to do: It’s a medical emergency! You need to intervene immediately and treat the person as if they were suffering from heat stroke.
YOUR EMPLOYER’S DUTIES
Your employer MUST provide drinking fountains or clean individual cups with sufficient drinking water. Your work should also be adapted to the temperature, and you should be able to take a break every hour when in the yellow-orange zone.
If you have any questions about working during heat waves, contact us: 1-866-899-1029.
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