Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care advises that hot and humid conditions are forecasted to continue for most parts of Manitoba. Everyone is at risk for the effects of heat. People who work or exercise in heat are at greater risk.

Workers in outdoor workplaces are advised to take necessary precautions including:

  • drink cold water regularly to stay hydrated, avoid consuming too much caffeine and sugary drinks;
  • take breaks in ventilated, cool, and shady areas;
  • wear breathable, lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing;
  • apply water-resistant SPF30 or higher sunscreen and reapply every two hours;
  • recognize and address symptoms of heat-related illnesses in yourself and your colleagues;
  • be aware that certain medications, recreational drugs or pre-existing conditions may lower your ability to feel heat and/or sweat;
  • wear wide-brim hats or similar hats;
  • start outdoor work early and do indoor tasks during the hottest times of day if possible;
  • acclimatize to heat by gradually increasing your working hours in the heat over a period of days;
  • work in spaces with air flow, add fans if you can;
  • mist yourself regularly with water; and
  • eat cool foods such as fruits.

Employers are also advised to take precautions including:

  • develop a heat stress exposure control plan, provide emergency procedures and appropriate first aid materials;
  • modify the environment and processes to reduce heat exposure such as providing shade, drinking water and fans;
  • prevent employees from working alone as much as possible, and have communication systems in place if working alone is unavoidable;
  • adjust and rotate work/rest cycles and job tasks to keep employees cool, schedule hard physical activities for the coolest part of the day;
  • educate workers to recognize and address heat-related illnesses; and
  • practise acclimatizing employees to working in the heat by slowly increasing the number of working hours in the heat over a period of days.

For more information on heat and health, call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257.