Hot and humid weather can cause serious health illnesses or exacerbate existing health problems. Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can be very dangerous, especially to those most vulnerable to health risks including people who work outdoors, people who are unhoused, elderly and some people with disabilities or chronic diseases, people who are pregnant, and children and infants.
All members of the University community should monitor themselves and others for symptoms of heat stress, which can include:
- fatigue and weakness
- dizziness and/or fainting
- rash
- nausea or vomiting
- rapid breathing and headache
- extreme thirst
- decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
- Unusual irritation or confusion
If someone is experiencing these symptoms, they should be moved to a cool place and drink water. If symptoms are severe, or there is presence of high body temperature, hot flushed skin or pale skin, loss of consciousness, confusion, or absence of sweating, seek first aid or contact 9-1-1 immediately.
To help reduce risk of heat-related illnesses:
- Stay hydrated; drink lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Schedule physically exerting activities during cooler times in the day (morning or evening).
- Avoid going out during the hottest time of the day and avoid direct sun when possible.
- Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
- Decrease pace and intensity of activities.
- Take regular breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
- Pay attention to how you feel and check-in with others.
Direction for supervisors
If you have employees working outdoors, regularly check-in with them. Schedule strenuous activities for cooler times of the day. Encourage workers to take regular breaks to cool down and hydrate. If possible, assign tasks that can be performed indoors or in shaded areas, especially during the hottest times of the day.
Refer to the Health and Safety webpage for Working in Hot Conditions and the Heat Stress Plan.
If an employee experiences a heat-related illness, ensure care is provided immediately and when possible, submit an Employee Incident Report.
Air Quality
Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality. Many of the same populations at risk of health impacts from extreme heat are also at risk from poor air quality. It is recommended to monitor the local Air Quality Health Index (Visit https://www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/index.php or it is available on most weather apps).
Additional Resources
peterboroughpublichealth.ca/ExtremeHeat
https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/extreme-heat-and-humidity.aspx