As British Columbia (Canada) reports a significant surge in heat stress-related injuries amongst workers in the province, WorkSafe BC and the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) urge private campground owners to take heed and implement preventative measures, especially during the wildfire season.
WorkSafeBC, the provincial statutory agency that champions workers’ safety, has issued an important reminder to all employers in light of climbing temperatures across BC’s diverse regions.
They emphasized the increasing risk of heat stress affecting workers in both indoor and outdoor environments and the vital need for comprehensive measures to maintain safe workplaces.
Heat stress claims have witnessed a concerning upswing in recent years. The average claims recognized by WorkSafeBC between 2018 and 2020 stood at 41 annually. Alarmingly, this number skyrocketed to 115 during the 2021 heat dome phenomenon and remained significantly high in 2022, with a total of 81 accepted claims.
To tackle this growing concern, WorkSafeBC has meticulously curated a booklet encapsulating a detailed overview of factors that augment the probability of experiencing heat stress.
The resource also outlines preventive tactics, provides tips on recognizing the early signs of heat-related ailments, and offers advice on administering appropriate treatment.
This booklet’s guidance is a good resource for private campground owners and operators throughout BC. The frequent and intensive wildfires witnessed during the hot season intensify the exposure of outdoor workers to excessive heat, making it imperative for employers in this sector to be cognizant of heat stress risks.
During wildfire season, campground employees often undertake physically strenuous tasks such as firefighting support, evacuation coordination, and managing emergency accommodation for displaced individuals.
These roles, coupled with the pervasive high temperatures, significantly increase the likelihood of heat stress injuries. Therefore, campground owners and operators need to prioritize educating their teams on recognizing early signs of heat stress and adopting effective prevention strategies.
The BCLCA urges its members to refer to the WorkSafeBC booklet and heat stress webpage for valuable insights. They underline the essential role that these resources play in ensuring the health and safety of all workers, encouraging their adoption as part of standard training programs.
The escalating number of heat stress claims underscores the urgent need for vigilant measures, particularly in BC’s private campgrounds.
The collective efforts of employers in implementing risk mitigation tactics, educating their teams, and creating a culture of safety could dramatically reduce heat stress injuries, ensuring a safer work environment for all, even during wildfire season.