The Rising Heat: How Climate Change is Endangering Canada’s Outdoor Workforce

Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, August 22nd 2025 at 7:35 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Canada's image as a land of cool breezes and manageable summers is rapidly fading. Across the country, from construction sites in bustling cities to remote forestry operations, workers are facing an increasingly urgent threat: extreme heat exacerbated by climate change. While the dangers of high temperatures are well-known, the scale and scope of the problem for Canada’s outdoor workforce – a sector encompassing millions – is only now becoming fully understood, demanding immediate action from employers, governments, and workers themselves.

The Globe and Mail's recent investigation paints a stark picture. The number of days exceeding 30°C (86°F) has been steadily increasing across the country, particularly in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. This isn’t just about uncomfortable weather; it’s about life-threatening conditions. Heat stress, characterized by symptoms ranging from fatigue and dizziness to heatstroke and even death, is a real and present danger for those working outdoors.

The article highlights the vulnerability of specific sectors. Construction workers, often clad in heavy protective gear, are particularly at risk. The demands of their physically demanding jobs, combined with high humidity and intense sunlight, create a perfect storm for heat-related illnesses. Similarly, agricultural workers, forestry crews, railway maintenance staff, utility line technicians, and even roofers face significant exposure. These professions frequently involve prolonged physical exertion in direct sunlight, often with limited access to shade or water.

The problem isn't just about the temperature itself; it’s about the “feels like” temperature – the heat index that accounts for humidity. A seemingly moderate temperature can feel significantly hotter when combined with high humidity, making it even more dangerous. The article points out that many workers are unaware of how to accurately assess these risks and protect themselves.

Historically, Canada's occupational health and safety regulations have lagged behind in addressing extreme heat. While some provinces have introduced guidelines or recommendations, enforceable standards are only recently beginning to emerge. Ontario, for example, has implemented a mandatory heat stress prevention program requiring employers to provide water, shade, and rest breaks. However, the article notes that these measures vary significantly across provinces, leaving many workers unprotected.

The legal landscape is also evolving. Lawsuits against employers for failing to adequately protect workers from heat-related illnesses are becoming more common, signaling a shift in accountability. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), as referenced in the article, provides resources and guidance on managing heat stress, but ultimately, responsibility rests with employers to ensure worker safety.

Beyond legal and regulatory changes, the article emphasizes the need for cultural shifts within industries. Many workers are hesitant to take breaks or report feeling unwell due to concerns about productivity or job security. This culture of silence can be deadly. Education and training programs are crucial not only to inform workers about the risks of heat stress but also to empower them to advocate for their own safety.

The article also touches on the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Migrant workers, often employed in precarious jobs with limited access to resources or language support, are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Indigenous communities working in remote areas face additional challenges due to limited infrastructure and healthcare access.

Looking ahead, the situation is only expected to worsen as climate change continues to intensify. The article underscores the urgency of proactive measures: strengthening regulations, improving worker education, fostering a culture of safety, and investing in research to better understand and mitigate the risks of extreme heat. This requires collaboration between governments, employers, unions, and workers themselves.

Ultimately, protecting Canada’s outdoor workforce from the dangers of rising heat is not just an economic imperative; it's a moral one. As temperatures continue to climb, ensuring the health and safety of those who keep our country running – building our homes, growing our food, maintaining our infrastructure – must be a top priority. The future of work in Canada depends on it.

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The Rising Heat: How Climate Change is Endangering Canada’s Outdoor Workforce