b'SAFETYBEAT THE HEATProtecting workers from UV radiation and heat stressBY ALEXANDRA SKINNER, WORKSAFEBCA ssummerquicklyapproaches,for employers and workers to be aware outdoor workers face increasedof the UV index, which measures the riskofheat-relatedinjurystrength of UV radiation at a specific duetohighertemperaturesplaceandtime.EnvironmentCanada andexposuretothesunsultravioletposts this online with its daily weather (UV) radiation.forecast, showing when its high.Roofers in particular are at higher riskPrpic also notes that clouds, fog or due to their daily exposure to the sun.haze may block the sun, but they dont Tokeepworkerssafe,employersandblock harmful UV rays.workers must work together to identifyWorkersshouldtakethesame potentialhazardsassociatedwithsunprecautionsoncloudy,foggyorhazy and heat, and then decide how to managedaysastheywouldonsunnydaysto potentialriskseffectively,saysSuzanaavoid UV radiation exposure, she says. Prpic,SeniorManagerofPreventionWhen it is not possible to work in the Field Services at WorkSafeBC.shade, workers should: Apply sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) to EVEN SHORT-TERMSUN EXPOSURE CAN BE RISKYsun-exposed parts of the body and EverybodyrespondstoUVradiationreapply it regularly. differently. For some people, short-termWear light-coloured, loose-fitting isunabletoproperlycoolitselfby exposure may have no noticeable effect,pants and long-sleeved shirts. while others may develop more serioussweating.Mildcasesincludeheatrash symptoms, including skin and eye irri- Wear protective eyewear to help limitorheatcramps,butifleftuntreated tation. Long-term exposure can lead toUV exposure to the eyes.they can progress to more serious condi-severe burns, blindness and even cancer.UNDERSTANDING HEAT STRESS: SYMP- tions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, In fact, outdoor workers are up to 3.5TOMS, RISKS AND PREVENTION which can be fatal. times more likely than indoor workers toHeatstressisaserioushazardforSymptoms of heat exhaustion include develop skin cancer. workers, even at temperatures well belowexcessivesweating,dizziness,fainting WATCH THE UV INDEX, the record highs of the 2021 heat domeand muscle cramps. Symptoms of heat EVEN ON CLOUDY DAYS in British Columbia.strokeincludecessationofsweating, In addition to taking protective measuresHeatstressreferstoseveralheatincreasedbreathingrate,confusion, against UV radiation, its also importantdisorders that can occur when the bodyseizures and even cardiac arrest.10 lROOFINGBClSUMMER 2023'