Staying Safe During Hot Weather

Working in the Heat: Tips for Employers and Workers

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illness. In tourism and hospitality settings, from hotel kitchens to outdoor adventure tours, workers can be especially vulnerable. This page outlines practical steps employers and workers can take to prevent heat stress and protect health and safety.

What is Heat Stress, and Who’s at Risk?

When it’s hot outside, or inside, our bodies have to work harder to stay cool. If we can’t cool down fast enough, it can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can become serious medical emergencies.

Certain work conditions in tourism and hospitality can increase the risk:

• Outdoor workers like tour guides, groundskeepers, or event staff working in the sun
• Kitchen and laundry staff exposed to hot, humid indoor environments
• Housekeepers or servers working in poorly ventilated spaces
• Anyone wearing uniforms or PPE that trap heat and limit airflow
• Workers doing physical tasks for long periods without enough water or rest

Simple Steps to Keep Safe

In addition to planning ahead for hot days using the resources listed below, employers can:

• Provide water, rest, and shaded/cool areas
• Adjust workloads or hours during peak heat
• Train your team to recognize the signs
• Post reminders and share the forecast
• Have a plan in case someone gets sick

Employer’s aren’t the only ones who can manage heat stress at work. Workers can:

• Drink water often, even if you’re not thirsty
• Take breaks in a cool or shaded place
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Know the signs of heat illness, in yourself and others
• Speak up if something doesn’t feel right

More Information and Resources

Customizable Templates & Downloadable Posters

• Heat Stress Exposure Control Plan Template (go2HR) – get in touch for a copy!
• Safety Talk: Managing Wildfire Smoke Exposure (go2HR)
• Heat Stress Warning Poster (WorkSafeBC)
• Heat-Related Illness: Watch for Signs Poster (CCOHS)
• Keep Your Cool Poster (CCOHS)
• Working in the Heat Poster (CCOHS)
• Sun Safety in Canada Infographic (CCOHS)
• Safety Talk – Heat Stress Exposure (go2HR)

Additional Information

• Heat Stress Screening Tool (WorkSafeBC)
• Preventing Heat Stress at Work (WorkSafeBC)
• Sun Safety at Work Video: Workers (WorkSafeBC)
• Sun Safety at Work Video: Employers (WorkSafeBC)
• Heat Stress (WorkSafeBC)
• Hot Environments (CCOHS)
• Heat Stress Toolkit (OHCOW)
• Sun & UV Radiation (WorkSafeBC)
• Practice Sun Safety When Working Outdoors (WorkSafeBC)
• Wildfire Smoke: FAQ (WorkSafeBC)
• Planning for Extreme Heat & Wildfire Smoke (WorkSafeBC)
• OHS Regulation 7.27 (WorkSafeBC)

Need Help Managing Heat Stress?

If you’re unsure where to begin or want support tailoring a plan for your workplace, we offer free 1:1 Heat Stress Consultations for tourism and hospitality employers. We’ll walk through your specific risks, explore practical control measures, and provide access to our customizable Heat Stress Exposure Control Plan (ECP) Template.

Ensure your team stays safe, cool, and ready for the season. Contact us today to book your free consultation.