Ontario is proposing a new ‘Heat Stress’ regulation under the Occupational Health & Safety Act

August 9, 2023. While Heat stress has long been recognized as a significant source of occupational illness, up to and including death, recent extremes in temperature have prompted this regulatory move.

The proposed regulation would set and enforce heat stress exposure limits and implement new heat stress risk assessments, in alignment with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ (ACGIH) methodology. It would also require employers to mitigate heat exposure and establish workplace protocols including recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and protective measures.

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development is accepting comments on their proposal until September 1, 2023. 

Need further information? Here’s a link to the Ministry’s posting.  Need help with your Heat Stress Training?  Check out our SkillsCross offerings here, or better still, reach out to us directly to have us help you complete heat stress assessments and craft your site specific plan.