WorkSafeBC is reminding employers about their responsibility to keep workers safe while working in extreme heat this week and next.

Unlike some jurisdictions, there’s no hard and fast rule in B.C. about when it’s too hot to work outside.

But WorkSafeBC Senior Manager of Prevention Field Services Barry Nakahara says it’s not really necessary – because employers have to have a heat stress plan – and that plan will often include rest and cool down periods.

“Work-rest regimes are a common approach to manage heat stress and then at some point if it’s extreme like you’re seeing, there comes a point in time where its probably not feasible to have that many people out there working for very short intervals so it does become restrictive at some point,” he said, on the NL Noon Report.

“Your cooling times versus your work times in those hot, hot environments become very restrictive.”

Nakahara says by the numbers – the construction sector sees the most claims related to heat stress – with 10 out of a total of 26 for all industries in 2019.

Environment Canada says temperatures in the BC Interior are expected to remain in the mid to high 30s for the rest of the week before climbing to 40 C by the weekend. Other forecasts are calling for temperatures as high as 46 C – which would break the Canadian record of 45 C set on July 5, 1937 at Midale and Yellowgrass, Saskatchewan.

Kamloopsians are being warned that a heat stroke can, and does kill, people.

A heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature is exceeding its ability to cool itself. In those circumstances, a person may stop sweating, as multiple organs and systems begin shutting down.

Symptoms to watch out for include pale, cool, or moist skin, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, a rash, swelling, especially hands and feet, fatigue and weakness, light headedness and/or fainting, headache, and nausea and/or vomiting.

“Excessive heat exposure can lead to weakness, disorientation and exhaustion,” she said. “In severe cases, it can also lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke can be a life-threatening medical emergency,” the acting Chief Medical Health Officer of Interior Health, Dr. Sue Pollock, said.

“More severe symptoms – including high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention,” Pollock added. “Call 911, move to a cool place, and cool the person with water and fanning.”

For more tips from Interior Health on preventing a heat stroke or heat exhaustion, go here.