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(WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
have few trees or
shelters
• Lack of cooled spaces –
many waterfronts lack
air-conditioned areas for
staff to cool off
• Physically demanding
work – physical exertion
increases thermal load
• Sun reflection off water
surfaces and sand
• Choose clothing with SPF 50 protection. Basic white T-shirt provides just SPF 5.
• When providing hats, choose wide-brimmed hats, or caps with neck shields.
• Consider providing cooling neckerchiefs; instruct staff to moisten them and lay
them on the back of the neck but not tie it due to strangulation risk.
• When providing sunscreen, choose products with at least SPF 50, and offer
staff the option of chemical-based or mineral-based formulations. If staff are
unable to use employer-provided formulations due to medical reasons (ex:
allergies to ingredients or products, rashes), consider carrying a product that
meets their needs or offer reimbursement for a suitable product for their skin.
• Consider spray-on application sunscreen to encourage workers to easily
reapply throughout the day while minimizing greasy hands. Avoid use of spray-
on products indoors, especially in smaller spaces.
• Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before sun exposure to allow sufficient time to
absorb into the skin and form a protective layer.
• Install shade, such as a tent or umbrella, over work area(s), waiting area(s),
lifeguard chair(s), and lifeguard station(s).
Safe Work Practices
• Check weather forecasts daily, paying attention to humidex and UV level.
• Where possible, schedule tasks to cooler times of day. If non-urgent work is
scheduled during a heatwave, postpone until extreme heat event / heatwave
passes.
• Provide free access to water, chilled preferably. Consider providing electrolyte
beverages, popsicles, or freezies when heat stress risks are high.
• Use job rotation to provide frequent breaks, preferably in an air-conditioned
space. If workers are performing physically demanding tasks such as heavy
lifting, break schedules should increase, or consider heat breaks on-demand.
• For aquatics staff, consider wetting hair between rotations, showering in cool
water (if available), or entering the water to cool off on break periods.
Resources
• NEW: Heat Stress Toolkit | May 15 | WSPS | WSPS
• 5 ways to prevent heat stress in the workplace
• Sun Safety at Work Canada
10. Struck-by Motor Vehicles and Watercraft
Hazards Prevention Tips
Motor vehicles such as pickup
trucks may be used at
waterfronts and beaches to
perform maintenance activities.
Motor vehicles and motorized
watercraft may also be used by
aquatics staff for rapid rescue
Policies and Procedures
• Develop a written motor vehicle risk assessment taking into consideration the
tasks and activities performed.
• Develop written motor vehicle and pedestrian safety policies and safe work
measures and procedures specific to motor vehicle use at the waterfront site.
• Set policies limiting vehicle speeds. Consider restricting vehicle access to
certain areas or certain times.
