The London-Middlesex Health Unit has issued a heat alert for today warning the forecast high of 32 degrees C, combined with very high humidity, will likely create humidex values making the temperature feel like 41 degrees. Last year’s first heat alert was not issued until July.
Precautions are urged for those members of the Western community working outside and supervisors must be aware of The University of Western Ontario’s Working in Hot Weather or Hot Workplace Environments policy, which recommends escalating precautions when the humidex reaches 35 degrees and higher, or air temperatures reach 32 degrees and higher.
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 buddy and monitor each other for signs and symptoms of heat stress, as individual response to heat can vary from person to person.
All those who work outside at Western are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the Western policy and to review a Heat Stress Awareness Guide developed by the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario.