Calgary, known for its unpredictable weather, isn’t immune to rising temperatures. With the global climate crisis creating hotter summers, even businesses here need to pay attention. Why? Because heat-related risks in the workplace are real and about to become more regulated than ever.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is set to roll out its first-ever Heat Safety Rule in 2025. While OSHA is a U.S.-based entity, Canadian businesses should still sit up and take notice—especially those operating in industries with similar safety standards, or who cross the border for business. Here’s the scoop on what this rule means, its potential impact on Calgary businesses, and how Calgary Safety Consultants can help you stay ahead of the curve.
OSHA’s new rule focuses on reducing heat-related injuries and fatalities in workplaces. The gist? If your workplace exposes employees to high temperatures (think construction sites, warehouses, kitchens, or outdoor spaces), you’ll need to up your game. Key requirements will include:
While Canada doesn’t have an identical heat-specific regulation (yet), extreme temperatures are increasingly being recognized as a workplace hazard under provincial occupational health and safety laws.
The Calgary Heat Reality
It might be tempting to brush this off as a “southern problem,” but Calgary businesses shouldn’t underestimate the impact of heat. Our summers are getting hotter, and heat waves are lasting longer. Whether your employees are hustling outdoors or sweating it out in a warehouse, these conditions can lead to heat stress, fatigue, and worse—serious illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Industries like construction, agriculture, landscaping, manufacturing, and even food services are particularly vulnerable. If your team is working hard in hot conditions, OSHA’s new rules could offer a sneak peek into where Canadian safety standards might go next.
Why It Matters for Calgary Businesses
Heat-related workplace injuries don’t just hurt employees—they can hurt your bottom line. Here’s how:
By staying proactive about heat safety, you’ll not only protect your team but also set your business up for success in an evolving regulatory landscape.
Here’s the deal: waiting for regulations to roll out is not a strategy. Taking steps now to address heat safety puts you ahead of the game. At Calgary Safety Consultants, we specialize in helping businesses like yours create safe, compliant workplaces. Here’s what we can do:
Heat safety is no longer an afterthought. With new rules on the horizon and Calgary’s climate evolving, it’s time to act. At Calgary Safety Consultants, we’re not just about meeting regulations—we’re about creating workplaces where your employees feel safe and supported.
Heat safety is no longer an afterthought. With new rules on the horizon and Calgary’s climate evolving, it’s time to act. At Calgary Safety Consultants, we’re not just about meeting regulations—we’re about creating workplaces where your employees feel safe and supported.
Ready to take the first step? Contact Calgary Safety Consultants and take the first step toward measurable safety success. Book your complimentary consultation today.
References
OSHA’s Heat Safety Rule, set to launch in 2025, is the first national regulation in the U.S. aimed at reducing heat-related injuries and fatalities in the workplace. It requires employers to conduct heat risk assessments, monitor workplace temperatures, and implement measures to protect workers from heat stress.
While OSHA regulations are specific to the U.S., Canadian businesses, especially those with operations across the border or similar climates, can benefit from aligning with these standards. Heat safety is also becoming a growing focus in Canadian occupational health and safety practices.
With Calgary experiencing hotter summers, heat stress is becoming a real workplace hazard. Proactively addressing heat risks protects employees, prevents productivity losses, reduces legal liabilities, and aligns with evolving safety standards.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!