Environment Canada’s local humidex advisory continues Wednesday, June 8. Precautions are urged for those members of The University of Western Ontario community working outside.
Workers are encouraged to dress in light clothing, apply sunscreen, drink more water, take more frequent breaks and work in the shade if possible. They are also encouraged to work with a partner and monitor each other for signs and symptoms of heat stress, as individual response to heat can vary from person to person.
The Working in Hot Weather or Hot Workplace Environments policy, developed in the last year, outlines actions that supervisors should take when the humidex reaches 35 degrees C and higher, or air temperatures reach 32 degrees and higher.
Those actions can include providing water, reminding workers to drink and increasing the frequency and length of breaks. Workers are often the first to see symptoms in those around them, and working with a buddy can be an effective way of monitoring response.
A Heat Stress Awareness Guide, developed by the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario, is also a good resource for those wishing more information.
A cold front sweeping through Southern Ontario Wednesday night will bring cooler temperatures for Thursday.