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As climate change intensifies summer heatwaves, cannabis employers should prepare for extreme heat, and have plans in place to mitigate the risk of heat exposure and related illnesses.
“WorksafeBC data shows that workers in agriculture and manufacturing are prone to heat stress. This poses a risk for the cannabis industry because it has both indoor and outdoor workers,” says Mike Nielsen, director of prevention field services at WorkSafeBC.
During the 2021 heat dome in British Columbia, many cannabis producers had to pause operations, as they were not prepared for the elevated temperatures. However, heat stress poses a serious risk to workers even at temps well below B.C.’s 2021 record highs.
What is heat stress?
Heat stress occurs when the body’s cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed by heat. It typically occurs when the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently.
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Symptoms of heat stress include excessive sweating, dizziness, heat rash, cramps and nausea. If left untreated, heat stress can escalate to severe conditions like heat exhaustion, and even fatal conditions like heat stroke.
Dehydration plays a significant role in exacerbating heat stress because adequate hydration is crucial for the body’s ability to self regulate.
“To best protect your workers, start with a risk assessment for your worksite that considers this hazard,” Neilsen says. “The best time to do this is before extreme weather arrives.”
Three key factors contribute to the risk of heat stress: the environment, the tasks and the workers themselves.
The Environment:
Workers in greenhouses or indoor settings, especially concrete buildings, face challenges related to heat and humidity. Greenhouses have fewer environmental controls, like centralized HVAC systems, while concrete buildings tend to absorb and retain heat. Further, the lack of natural ventilation can lead to stagnant air, and equipment can also elevate the temperature indoors. In addition, workers may wear protective gear or uniforms that limit airflow, heightening the risk of dehydration and overheating.
The Work:
The nature of the work itself plays a significant role in heat stress, as doing physical tasks like harvesting, pruning and processing can cause the body to generate more heat.
The Worker:
Individual factors like age, fitness level, pre-existing medical conditions or medications can affect heat tolerance. Employers should advise their workers on these risks and be supportive of workers’ personal concerns.
Reduce the risk
Once risks have been identified, employers must collaborate with workers on what measures to put in place to reduce the risks. Consider the following control measures, and determine when these controls should be put in place:
- Schedule physically demanding tasks during cooler periods, typically before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. This can vary in extreme heat conditions or heat dome events, as late afternoon can be the hottest part of the day.
- Implement physical modifications to facilities, equipment and processes to minimize heat exposure. Employers should consider physical modifications to buildings, especially those without HVAC systems. Shade cloths are an option for greenhouses, and whitewashing concrete buildings can reduce sun exposure.
- Monitor on-site heat and humidity conditions regularly.Establish work-rest cycles and ensure workers are not working alone in high-temperature conditions. Rotate work activities or increase person power to reduce individual exposure and allow for adequate cooling breaks. Designate cooling areas with shade and ample water supply.
- Clothing choice is also critical. While protective gear like Tyvek suits may be necessary, breathable alternatives should be explored. Educate workers and first-aid attendants on heat stress symptoms.
Employers, co-workers, and first-aid attendants play a crucial role in keeping workers safe by knowing the signs of heat stress. “You don’t know when you’re being affected by heat stress, so work in pairs, and ensure your workers and colleagues know the signs,” says Nielsen. “It’s also critical to promote a culture where prompt reporting is encouraged.”
Symptoms include excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, pale skin and fainting. Confusion is also a symptom that is often overlooked. In addition, heat can be dangerous no matter how familiar someone is with it. Don’t assume conditions are safe for workers who are used to hot conditions.
While extreme heat events like heat domes may not occur every summer in Canada, as extreme temperatures become the new normal, the risk of heat stress is constant. Integrating risk assessment and heat stress management into regular operations is essential for protecting agricultural and manufacturing workers in cannabis.
Alexandra Skinner is the manager of government and media relations at WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC engages workers and employers to prevent injury, disease and disability in B.C., serving 2.7 million workers and 280,000 employers across the province.
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