b'SUN SAFETYSUNSAFETYPreventing heat stress at workB .C.roofersfacenumerousasConstructionworkinCanadafrom developing symptoms of heat stress hazards in the course of theirincreasesinthesummermonthsand,at work. If left untreated, heat stress can dailyduties,withincidentssuch,animportantelementofanprogress into heat exhaustion and heat related to falls from elevation,effective occupational health and safetystroke,whichcanhaveseriouseffects overexertionandstruck-bybeingtheprogramforemployerswithoutdooron workers, including serious injury and mostcommonresultingininjuriestoworksites,includingroofers,isasuneven death.low-andsteep-sloperoofingworkersexposure plan. A sun exposure plan canIn 2018 there were 38 accepted time-from 2014-18. assistemployersinpreventingworkers loss claims for heat stress in B.C. Over the last 10 years there were 234 accepted WORKING TOGETHER claims for heat stress, and among those, WorkSafeBCPreventionOfficersregularly69 were in the construction industry.present to first-year apprentices at the RoofingOurbodiesnaturallymaintaina ContractorsAssociationofBConworkplacetemperaturebetween36Cand38C. hazards, including: ladder safety, fall protection, asbestos exposure prevention, excava- Sweating cools the body down, but in tion safety, worker rights and responsibilities and the injury claims process. hot environments, if the body heats up faster than it can cool itself, heat stress can occur. If workers become dehydrated they are less able to maintain a safe body temperature. There are three main ways workers are exposed to heat stress: the environment, the work and the worker (through their condition). Pride, Quality, Innovation, Performance & Safety Theenvironmentexposesworkers It`s who we are, it`s what we do through direct or indirect sunlight; indi-rect sunlight can be caused by reflections Low Slope Roof SystemsMetalfrom other sources such as pavement, air Roof SystemsWall Systems temperature and high humidity. The type Shingle Roof Systems of work being performed can also cause or contribute to heat stress as increased levels of activity raise body temperatures. Finally, the condition of the worker can Phone:250.336.8088 contribute to heat stress through factors Toll Free: 1.888.318.8642 suchaslevelofphysicalcondition, www.nelsonroong.com age,hydration,medicalconditions,or contact@nelsonroong.com wearinginappropriatepersonalprotec-Comox Valley, Campbell River, Powell River tive equipment or clothing.32lROOFINGBC l SUMMER 2019'