As warmer weather arrives across British Columbia, WorkSafeBC is urging employers to get ahead of seasonal hazards before conditions turn dangerous for workers.
The agency said rising temperatures, wildfire smoke and UV radiation all pose significant risks, especially for employees working long hours outdoors.
“Don’t wait for a heat wave or smoky skies to start planning for these hazards,” said Todd McDonald, head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC.
In Northeast B.C., where industries like construction, transportation, agriculture and oil and gas rely heavily on outdoor work, officials say the risk of heat-related illness increases during the summer months.
WorkSafeBC warns that heat stress can quickly become serious, with symptoms that include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea and confusion.
Employers are being encouraged to take preventive steps such as tracking workplace conditions, providing access to cool drinking water, scheduling demanding tasks during cooler hours of the day and ensuring workers have shaded or temperature-controlled break areas.
The agency is also highlighting wildfire smoke as an ongoing concern, noting that poor air quality can impact workers across the province during peak fire season.
WorkSafeBC recommends employers monitor air quality reports, adjust or limit outdoor work when smoke levels rise, reduce physically demanding tasks where possible and ensure ventilation systems are operating effectively.
Outdoor workers are also being reminded of the risks linked to UV exposure. WorkSafeBC says people who work outside are about 3.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer than those working indoors due to prolonged sun exposure.
To reduce risk, the agency advises using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, taking breaks in shaded areas and keeping an eye on the UV index throughout the summer.
WorkSafeBC said its prevention officers will be out conducting inspections this season to make sure employers are assessing weather-related risks and putting proper safety measures in place.
