Heat and Cold
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires employers to take every reasonable precaution to protect workers from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. This includes developing policies and procedures to manage heat stress and cold stress in the workplace.
Key Points:
Heat Stress
Employers must implement measures to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This can involve providing adequate hydration, rest breaks, and cool environments.
Cold Stress
Similarly, for cold environments, employers need to protect workers from conditions like frostbite and hypothermia. This might include providing appropriate clothing, warming shelters, and scheduling work to avoid the coldest parts of the day.