Heat Stress Safety

Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years old and older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

If not treated, heat exhaustion – the symptoms of which include dizziness, headache, and sweaty skin – can lead to heat stroke. The symptoms of heat stroke include red, dry skin; confusion; and fainting. Heat stroke can kill you.

Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Extremely cold or wet weather is a dangerous situation that can cause occupational illness and injuries such as hypothermia - a condition in which the body uses up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat.

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can result in frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains.

This course presents information to employers and employees on the hazards and measures they should take to prevent illness and death caused by extreme hot and cold temperatures.

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