Bulletin
Coast Mountain Bus – Heat Safety
July 31, 2018
To: All MoveUP Members at CMBC
British Columbia is in the midst of a heat wave right now. Your health can be at risk during this time. We recognize that all our members are working hard to help customers and clients but this cannot be at the risk of your own health.
Most employers should have a high heat plan. Check with your manager or supervisor about your specific location’s heat plan to ensure that your health and safety is looked after. Your worksite OH&S Committee should also be examining the plan to be sure it is appropriate for the type of work done and the exposures you face. If you are on an OH&S Committee, please be sure this is discussed at your next meeting. If there is no plan, one should be developed. Assistance in developing plans can be obtained by emailing nschnurr@moveuptogether.ca.
This is also a good time for everyone to take note of who the first aid attendants are in your office. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen to anyone. If you are a first aid attendant, we are asking that you be extra vigilant right now. Keep your eyes on your co-workers who may be vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Make sure everyone in your office knows who you are and that they can and must come to you if they are feeling unwell from the heat or if they notice a co-worker who is showing signs of distress.
Staying properly hydrated is also critical. Your body is using more water than you realize, so drink lots of water throughout the day. Don’t just wait until you are feeling thirsty. As much as possible, stay out of the heat or seek shade. If your work requires you to be outside, be sure to wear protective clothing and equipment, such as pop-up shelters. You don’t need to be a hero. Please take care of yourself!
According to the Mayo Clinic, here is what you should know about heat-related illnesses:
Heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related syndromes. Symptoms range in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. Heat exhaustion can begin suddenly or over time, usually after working or playing in the heat, perspiring heavily, or being dehydrated.
Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include:
Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
Heavy sweating
Faintness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Weak, rapid pulse
Low blood pressure upon standing
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Headache
If you suspect heat exhaustion
If untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect heat exhaustion, take these steps immediately:
Move the person out of the heat and into a shady or air-conditioned place.
Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.
Remove tight or heavy clothing.
Have the person drink cool water or other non-alcoholic beverage without caffeine.
Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning.
Monitor the person carefully.
Contact a doctor if signs or symptoms worsen or if they don’t improve within one hour.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if the person’s condition deteriorates, especially if they experience:
Fainting
Agitation
Confusion
Seizures
Inability to drink
Core body temperature of 104 ˚F (40 ˚C) (heatstroke)
You can also find more information about working in extreme heat from Health Canada by clicking here.
In solidarity,
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President of Combined Units
Doug Jeffs, Union Representative