Poor air quality — from wildfire smoke, industrial emissions, or confined space hazards — is a serious OHS risk for Alberta workers. Employers must assess the hazard, communicate the risk, and implement controls before workers are exposed.
British Columbia has declared a state of emergency due to the almost 600 wildfires that are plaguing the province. Hot, dry weather conditions have made the situation worse, along with lightning strikes causing even more fires to add to the problem.
The smoke from the BC fires has been pushing into Alberta creating very poor air quality and air advisory warnings from Environment Canada to be issued. The Air Quality Health Index indicates that air quality is forecast as a 10 (High Risk) on August 17, and 9 overnight. Moving into the weekend it should drop to a moderate risk of 5.
Environment Canada recommends reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if possible. People, especially the elderly and children, may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, dry/burning eyes, and headaches. People with pre-existing conditions such as COPD, heart conditions and asthma may experience symptoms that are worse than normal.
During poor air quality conditions please see the following suggestions:
We at Safety Ahead hold the people effected by the wildfires in our thoughts and hope the situation in BC can be controlled soon.
For information on how to develop a Respiratory Code of Practice, please call us at Safety Ahead for assistance! 780-473-4772!
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Safety Ahead Team
Alberta-based safety consultants with decades of field experience — COR auditors, OHS advisors, and WCB specialists working with employers across the province.
About Safety AheadWe build and maintain Alberta safety programs that hold up under audit and inspection — hazard assessments, orientations, procedures, and ongoing support.
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