As the heat wave continues across Nova Scotia, the Workers’ Compensation Board is warning employers and workers to take heat seriously on the job.
The board says 201 Nova Scotians have needed medical attention or missed time from work because of heat-related workplace injuries or conditions since 2015.
That includes workers dealing with heat stroke, fainting, nausea, vomiting, cramps, confusion, chest tightness and sudden weakness.
Some workers were taken to hospital by ambulance and needed intravenous fluids after dehydration stressed their internal organs.
The warning comes as Nova Scotia remains under heat warnings, with humidex values making it feel close to 40 in some areas.
The board says heat-related injury claims have increased in recent years as temperatures climb.
There were 23 heat-related workplace injuries in 2024 and 27 in 2025.
So far this year, there have been eight.
The worst year in the past decade was 2018, when extreme heat caused 34 workplace injuries.
Heat can hit indoors and outdoors
Construction has seen the highest number of heat-related workplace claims over the past decade, with 59.
That includes 24 in road building.
Government services saw 48 claims, including workers in firefighting, transportation, public works, parks, natural resources and other jobs involving outdoor work or heavy gear.
Manufacturing saw 25 claims, while health and social services saw 11.
The board says heat is not only an outdoor issue.
Workers in kitchens, manufacturing plants and health settings can also be affected when high heat and humidity build indoors.
Matt Ross, director of employer performance with the Workers’ Compensation Board, says the numbers show why prevention matters.
“Heat is a workplace hazard,” Ross said. “But if we proactively plan for it and take the right precautions, workers can safely work in the heat and go home safe.”
The board says employers should treat heat like any other hazard by checking conditions, adjusting work and protecting people before anyone gets sick.
That includes water, rest, shade and a reasonable work pace.
Workers and employers are also being told to watch for early signs of heat illness, including heavy sweating, dizziness, cramps and nausea.
Anyone showing symptoms should be moved to a cooler environment and helped quickly.
