Report from the CCOHS – August 2024
Poor Air Quality
Soaring temperatures also increase air pollution levels and the potential for wildfire events, both of which put workers at risk of harmful exposures. In fact, air pollution coupled with the sun’s UV rays creates a chemical called ground-level ozone, which is harmful to breathe.
Poor air quality can cause chronic health issues such as respiratory disease, heart disease, and allergies. It can also heighten symptoms in those with underlying health issues, like breathing or heart problems, so ensure you have accommodations in place to protect these workers when air quality is poor.
Check local air quality index reports and avoid or limit outdoor work during instances of poor air quality. When this is not possible, provide fit-tested respirators to filter out harmful particulates.
Bug Bites and Animal-to-Human Disease
Working outdoors also means sharing a jobsite with insects and wildlife. When infected with viruses or bacteria, these creatures can spread pathogens to humans, causing illnesses like West Nile virus, Lyme disease, rabies, and bird flu.
Workers should perform their duties upwind of animals, practice proper hand hygiene, regularly disinfect objects and equipment, and wear dedicated clothing and footwear that is regularly washed.
Removing sources of stagnant water from a jobsite, where mosquitos may breed, and cutting down vegetation where ticks tend to live can reduce the risk of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases.
To avoid insect bites, workers should also wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants tucked into socks, and closed toe shoes.
Providing insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, or permethrin-treated clothing, can also help to repel insects.
Tying back hair and doing a thorough tick check can help to further prevent tick-borne diseases.
Should a worker get bitten by a tick, carefully remove it as soon as possible. In some cases, you may need to report the exposure to your local public health authority.
A Safer Outdoor Work Environment
Take the time to review and evaluate the effectiveness of your summer health and safety plan. Walk through jobsites to observe hazards, put precautions in place, analyze any incidents or near-misses, and introduce workplace inspections and refresher training.
Follow these steps and you’ll be prepared for any health and safety hazards that may come your way this summer.
My opinion
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is a great resource to improve safety for your company. I use their material for many of our client’s health and safety policies and procedures.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs.
Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.
You are the best!