Heat safety
Working in hot conditions, both indoors or outdoors, can affect the body’s cooling system and increase discomfort and risk of heat stress. Prevention measures need to be in place to minimize occupational heat-related illness, along with general guidance for everyone on how to stay cool during the summer.
Heat stress prevention
Some jobs at UVic involve greater physical activity, heavier protective clothing or outdoor work during periods of elevated temperatures. Units should have procedures in place to prevent heat stress to employees engaged in activities where the environmental conditions present a higher risk of heat exposure.
Review the Heat Stress Prevention Guidelines for prevention strategies, information about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress, and how to respond safely if heat symptoms or illness is experienced or observed.
Summer weather
During the summer months there may be periods where the temperature rises above a comfortable range for work and learning settings. When heat is combined with other factors like air temperature, relative humidity, loss of fluids or fatigue, it can make indoor and outdoor environments uncomfortable.
Here are some tips for staying cool in the summer:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water will help your body adjust to higher temperatures
- Wear light clothing that permits the evaporation of sweat (e.g. cotton clothing).
- Avoid strenuous physical activity and caffeine drinks.
- Vary your work/rest schedule. Take more breaks as needed to help keep cool and hydrated.
On hotter days, the indoor temperatures in some campus buildings may become uncomfortably warm to perform regular work or learning activities. In these situations, individuals should follow the tips to stay cool, and contact their supervisor if they have any concerns about the conditions in their work or learning environment. Supervisors can also consider adjusting schedules or activities; remote work options (where feasible); and adjusting on-campus operating hours of the facility, lab or unit (if possible).
Monitoring
The university will monitor local environmental conditions and public health information for potential heat events in the summer months. During periods when temperatures are anticipated to exceed 30°C, or the province issues a heat warning or an extreme heat emergency notification, the university will review potential impacts to campus activities and provide advisories to the community if any campus-wide adjustments are required.