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.
