Temperature Extreme - Canada Construction Site - Completed
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Temperature Extreme: Heat Stress on Construction Site in Canada
OH&S Project Presentation
Afia Anjum 301198368
Earl Alyssa Managbanag 301268119
Sai Yuen Leung 301239028
Simarpreet Kaur 301246119
Image Source: https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/res
ource/2023/09/climate-and-construction-extreme-
heat-increases-worker-safety-risk-and-reduces-
productivity
Introduction
As global climate patterns change, there is a noticeable rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme temperatures, such as heat waves. This alteration in climate dynamics presents a substantial risk to the health and welfare of workers across various industries. Among these, the construction sector stands out as particularly vulnerable, with workers facing heightened exposure to extreme temperatures, leading to concerns about heat stress. Extreme temperatures represent an occupational hazard that places significant physiological strain on the body, resulting in heat stress among workers.
Image Source: https://www.acccrn.net/sites/default/files/ima
ges/blog/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-
10%20at%202.06.03%20PM.png
A condition in which the body is unable to appropriately cool itself in the extreme, resulting in a dangerous rise in core body temperature exceeding 38°C or 100°F (Government of Canada, 2023).
What is Heat Stress?
When evaluating heat safety for workers, several factors are considered:
Temperature
Humidity
Intensity of physical activity
Duration of exertion
Acclimatization of individuals to hot environments.
Image Source:
https://www.pksafetyuk.com/blog/post/heat-
stress-in-the-workplace
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Increased risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Reduced productivity and performance due to discomfort and physical strain.
Elevated safety hazards including impaired cognitive function and coordination.
Potential for long-term health consequences if exposure is prolonged or repeated.
Legal obligations for employers to provide a safe working environment under occupational health and safety regulations.
Impact on employee morale and job satisfaction.
Vulnerability of certain workers such as outdoor laborers or those working in poorly ventilated environments.
Why is it a concern
?
Image Source:
https://www.osha.gov/otm/section-3-health-hazards/
chapter-4
Heat Stress – Why Construction Site?
•
Global warming issue
•
British Columbia is hot and humid in summer – above 40
o
C
•
Roadwork – work under direct and reflected sunlight without shelter
•
Foundation work – work underground, poor ventilation and high humidity
•
Overhead line – Mobile in nature, work at height, hard to provide shelters and fans •
Heat stoke (Fatal)
Image Source:
https://www.nrdc.org/bio/juanita-
constible/there-no-
infrastructure-week-without-
healthy-workers
Image Source: https://en.evn.com.vn/d6/news/Photo-
series-Power-transmission-soldiers-in-
scorching-weather-in-May-2023-66-
163-3495.aspx
Construction Site – High Risk Factors
•
Collection of all poor conditions of the risk factors:
-
High humidity
-
High ambient temperature
-
Strong solar radiation
-
Poor air flow
-
Heavy exertion in work
-
Personal protective equipment that hinder heat dissipation
-
Difficult to set up control measures
-
Less cautious compared with working in cold temperature
Image Source:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-
hottest-jobs-heat-wave-heat-dome-1.6084703
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Heat Stress awareness - Personal
•
When the construction site is extremely hot:
-
Heat is generated during work exertion
-
Body temperature regulation mechanism fail to maintain normal body temperature
-
Extremely Thirsty
-
Dizziness
-
Headache
-
Muscle cramps
-
Shortness of breath
-
Rapid Pulse
Image Source:
https://baudrytherapy.com/overall-health/heat-stroke-facts-
and-stats/
Heat Stress Awareness - Administration
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature monitoring (WBGT) Image Source:
https://convergence.unc.edu/tool/what-is-wbgt/
Heat Stress Awareness - Administration
Image Source:
https://www.osha.gov/otm/section-3-health-hazards/
chapter-4
1
2
3
1) WBGT
eff
> TLV: Heat Stress can affect all workers
2) AL
WBGT
eff
TLV: Heat Stress can affect new workers
3) WBGT
eff
< AL: Heat Stress is low
Threshold limit value
Normal Walking, moderate Lifting: W = 300
Heavy Material Lifting: W=415
Pick and Shovel Work:
W=520
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Common Symptoms of heat stress
DIZZINESS
FATIGUE
HEADACHES
FAINTING
How to Manage Risk of Heat Stress
Stay Hydrated
Dress Appropriately
Take Breaks in the Shade or Cool Area
Limit Outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day
Protect Yourself from Sun
Listen to your body
Measures to Avoid Heat Stress Among Workers
Hydration is key
Provide Shaded Areas
Schedule Strategically
Dress Code Considerations
Knowledge and Awareness
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Best Practices to Train Employees for Avoiding Heat Stress
Start with Education
Provide practical tips about Staying Hydrated, taking breaks in Shady Areas, wearing appropriate clothes.
Show them some examples for following the guidelines and encourage them to do so.
Encourage Open Communication.
Recommendation:
1. Implement Heat Safety Protocols.
2. Enhance Workplace Ventilation and Cooling
3. Provide Adequate Hydration Stations
4. Modify work schedules to avoid peak heat hours, if possible, such as scheduling outdoor tasks for cooler times of the day.
5. Provide lightweight, breathable clothing options that offer protection from the sun.
6. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
7. Monitor weather forecasts and adjust protocols based on anticipated heatwaves or extreme temperatures
8. Encourage open communication between management and employees regarding heat-related concerns.
9. Ensure compliance with legal obligations for providing a safe working environment, including heat safety measures.
10. Access employee assistance programs (EAPs) or counseling services to support mental health and well-being
.
Conclusion:
Employers must prioritize workers’ safety through comprehensive heat stress management plans and regular training programs
Addressing heat stress not only protects workers but also enhances productivity and reduces the likelihood of workplace accidents.
Strive for ongoing improvement in heat stress management through feedback, evaluation, and implementation of best practices.
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Reference
1) Canada, E. and S. D. (2023, January 27). Government of Canada
. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/th
ermal-stress-work-place.html 2) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 31). Heat stress
. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/ 3) Foulis, M. (2022b, June 27). Heat stress: How to keep outdoor workers safe from sun exposure
. 4) Canadian Occupational Safety. https://www.thesafetymag.com/ca/topics/safety-and-ppe/heat-stress-how-to-keep-outdoor-w
orkers-safe-from-sun-exposure/410930
4) Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2024, February 10). Hot environments - control measures
. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/heat/heat_control.html
5) Osha Technical Manual (OTM) - Section III: Chapter 4
. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.).
https://www.osha.gov/otm/section-3-health-hazards/chapter-4 6) Government of British Columbia. (n.d.). Managing Occupational Health & Safety: Heat Information & Health Concerns https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/careers/managers-supervisors/managing-occupational-h
ealth-safety/heat_information_health_concerns.pdf
7) Employment and Social Development Canada. (2023, January 27). Thermal Stress in the Workplace. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/th
ermal-stress-work-place.html
8) Focusing on continuous improvement in the workplace.