b'WORKSAFEBCPROACTIVE PLANNINGRoofers should prepare for heat and smoky conditions BY ALEXANDRA SKINNERB ritishColumbiassummersHEAT AND UV RADIATION of heaton the level and duration of exposure, age of have been challenging in recentRoofers are at a higher riskthe worker and other individual factors.years, with widespread extremestress and UV exposure due to theirWorkers with lung diseases such as asthma heat affecting various regions.daily exposure to the sun. Both risksorchronicobstructivepulmonarydisease A notably dry winter is increasing thedisplay different symptoms. For some,(COPD)aswellasworkerswithother likelihoodofwildfiresthissummer,short-termexposuremayhavenochronic diseases and older adultsare more meaning outdoor workers, like roofers,noticeableeffect,whileothersmaylikely to experience serious symptoms. These could face the dual risks of extreme heatdevelop more serious symptoms.symptoms can include shortness of breath, and smoke exposure. Heatstresscancauselight-head- persistentcoughing,wheezing,chesttight-Beforetheseconditionsarise,ednessanddizziness,whichcouldness and increased mucous production.employersmustconductriskassess- lead to falling. It can also lead to heat ments and have plans in place to protectstroke, which can be fatal. PREPARING FORtheir workers from risks associated withEXTREME SUMMER WEATHERheat and poor air quality. UV exposure can cause skin and Planningisessential.Involveyoureyeirritation,andlong-termexpo- Employersshouldfollowthesestepsin team in the process, as they know thesure can lead to severe burns, blind- advance of extreme weather:ness and even cancer. In fact, outdoor1. Conductariskassessment:Askyour work best and can help you determine whatisfeasible,saysSuzanaPrpic,workersareupto3.5timesmoreworkersandsafetycommitteestohelp SeniorManagerofPreventionFieldlikely than indoor workers to developyou assess the risks. Consider factors such ServicesatWorkSafeBC.Proactiveskin cancer.asgeographiclocation,seasonalweather planning,aswellasensuringworkerspatterns and the nature of the work being understand how and when plans shouldSMOKE EXPOSURE performed.Duringperiodsofextreme beimplemented,keepseveryonesafeThereareseveralpotentialhealthweather,riskassessmentsshouldbe and minimizes disruptions to work. effects associated with wildfire smoke.reviewed several times a day.ExtremeheatandpoorairqualityLikeheat,noteveryoneexposedto2. Developtailoredriskreductioncaused by wildfire smoke pose signifi- smokewillbeaffectedinthesameapproaches:Basedontheriskassess-cant health risks to outdoor workers. way. Negative health impacts dependment, develop strategies that address both New BC Office - 3435 194 St, Surrey, BC V3Z 1A5Roofing - WaterproofingCladding - Glazing - Service604-282-7960BCestimating@bothwell-accurate.comwww.Bothwell-Accurate.com10 lROOFINGBClSUMMER 2024'