How outdoor workers are staying safe in P.E.I.'s hot weather

With another day of hightemperatures across P.E.I. Thursday, the Workers Compensation Boardhas issued a warning for employers and employees to watch out for heat stress.

For people who work outdoors, seeking shade to staycool isn't always an option with work to get done, labour continues for many as the sun beams down.

It's only going to kill production tomorrow if they kill themselves in the sun today. BoydCorcoran

"All types of weatherhot, cold, windy, dry, wet. You name it, we're in it," says Greg Ford, construction manager at EarthformLandscape Professionals in Stratford, P.E.I.

Keeping workers safe

But while work continues, Ford said making sure employees are safe is a priority.

"We realize that the guys are working hard outside, so we cut them a bit of slack. You know, we've still got to make some progress day-to-day with the jobs, but you can't expect the guys to work just as hard as they do when it's 10 degrees as compared to when it's like 40," Ford said.

Fordencourages workers to stay hydrated, wear hats and sunscreen and take breaks when needed. And on hot days, he said the company works strategically.

"We try to get them to do all the heavy stuff in the morning and also work with the sun. So if you can stay in the shade and balance your day with the sun and how the sun moves, just move around your job site with it," Ford said.

For some, work stops

At Ashe Roofing in Charlottetown, employees were hard at work Thursdaybut on Wednesday, work was suspended for the day something the manager said he doesn't hesitate to do if it gets too hot.

"It's only going to kill production tomorrow if they kill themselves in the sun today," said Boyd Corcoran.

The Workers Compensation Board is asking Islanders to take steps to avoid heat stress includingkeeping hydrated, limiting sun exposureand taking breaks.

It also recommends that people look out for each otherand keep an eye outforweakness, lightheadednessand nausea.

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