b'SUN SAFETYWorkerswithheatstresstypi-callyexperienceexcessivesweating,Fall protection hierarchydizziness and/or nausea. If not recog-nizedortreatedsoonenough,heat stresscanleadtoheatexhaustion,Falls from heightswhich can result in symptoms such as shallow breathing, increased heart rate orfainting.Ifleftunattended,heatare a leading cause of injury on exhaustioncanrapidlyprogressinto heat stroke, which is characterized byB.C. construction sitesshock,seizure,confusionandeven cardiac arrest.Protect your workers GuardrailsPreventing heat stress during the hot summermonthsrequiresplanning: ensurethehardestphysicallabouris scheduled to be completed outside the hottest hours of the day from 11 a.m. to3p.m.,andschedulerestbreaks withplentyofavailabledrinkingFall restraint systemwaterincool,well-ventilatedareas. Ensurefirst-aidcoverageandemer-gencyproceduresareestablished800 lb.andcommunicatedtoallworkers and supervisors.Depending on the type of work and levelofactivityrequired,employersFall arrest system 5000mayneedtoimplementphysicallb.modificationstoequipment,suchas shade structures, to reduce sun expo-sure.Administrativechangessuchas rotating work activities or using addi-tional workers can also be part of an effective sun exposure plan. As part of every employers regula- For other procedures contact WorkSafeBC tory responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their workers, heat stress604.276.3100prevention basics should be communi-cated to all staff: Drink plenty of water (one glassFollow the hierarchy of fall protection with guardrails every 20 minutes). as your first choiceWear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabricEnsure fall protection equipment is available and usedsuch as cotton. KnowyourpersonalriskfactorsEnsure adequate training, instruction, and supervisionsuchasmedicationsandanyis providedpre-existing conditions. Check the signs and symptoms foryourself and co-workers. Find resources at worksafebc.com/constructionLearnmoreaboutheatstressat worksafebc.com.ReadPreventing Heat Stress at Work or watch Sun Safety atWorkonWorkSafeBCsYouTube channel.www.rcabc.org l33'