Both indoor and outdoor workers can be at risk during hot weather

Richmond, B.C. (July 21, 2026) — With Environment Canada issuing heat warnings for several regions of British Columbia and temperatures expected to climb into the mid-30s in some areas of the province this week, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to take steps to protect workers from heat-related illness.

“Elevated temperatures increase the risk of heat stress and heat stroke, which can be serious and even life-threatening,” says Todd McDonald, head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “These illnesses are preventable, and employers have a responsibility to take steps to protect workers, whether they are indoors or outdoors.”

Between 2021 and 2025, WorkSafeBC accepted 335 heat-related injury claims, including 47 in 2025. Workers in a range of industries face increased risk during hot weather. Outdoor workers in construction, agriculture, transportation, and public works are at higher risk. However, indoor workers — including those in kitchens, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities — may also be exposed to high heat, especially in spaces without air conditioning.

To prevent heat stress, WorkSafeBC requires employers to conduct workplace-specific risk assessments and develop plans that outline controls, training, and safe work procedures.

Employers should engage workers and/or joint health and safety committees in the process and monitor and adjust these plans and controls as needed.

What employers should do:

• Provide cool drinking water and regular rest breaks.
• Set up shaded or cooled recovery areas.
• Schedule strenuous work during cooler parts of the day.
• Improve ventilation and cooling in indoor work areas.
• Rotate workers between hotter and cooler environments.
• Train workers to recognize the early signs of heat stress in themselves and others and how to seek first aid. Symptoms can include excessive sweating, muscle cramps, nausea, weakness, dizziness, agitation, or confusion.

• Encourage workers to report symptoms early and speak up if conditions become unsafe.

What workers should do:

• Drink plenty of water (one glass every 20 minutes).
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric, such as cotton.
• Wear sunscreen and apply regularly.
• Take rest breaks in a cool, well-ventilated area.• Know your personal risk factors, such as medications and any pre-existing conditions.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of heat stress in yourself and co-workers.

Resources:

WorkSafeBC resources help employers and workers prepare for summer conditions:

• New: Heat stress warning poster
• Heat stress
• Heat stress screening tool
• Methods for measuring heat strain or stress
• Wildfire smoke: Frequently asked questions
• Sun and UV radiation

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About WorkSafeBC

WorkSafeBC operates a non-profit workers’ compensation system funded solely by employer premiums and investment returns. The organization provides no-fault workplace insurance to 2.7 million workers and 286,000 employers across B.C. WorkSafeBC engages workers and employers to prevent injury, disease, and disability in B.C. When work-related injuries or diseases occur, WorkSafeBC provides compensation and support to workers in their recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work.

For more information, contact:

Media Relations, WorkSafeBC

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 604-276-5157

 

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CHETWYND, B.C. – Community members came together at the Saulteau First Nations (SFN) Pemmican Grounds on June 21 to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the many cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

The event, hosted in partnership with Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nations and the Tansi Friendship Centre Society, welcomed families, Elders, youth and visitors for an afternoon of cultural learning, entertainment and community connection.

 

The event included a variety of activities for all ages such as a traditional pemmican-making demonstration, family-friendly games, cultural displays and interactive booths. “Among the highlights of the day was the Jigging Contest, where participants demonstrated their energy, skill and passion for traditional dance. The Pugeesee Finals kept the excitement going with enthusiastic competitors and spectators. Guests also enjoyed an Open Mic Talent Show with local performers and a Community Round Dance that brought everyone together in a spirit of unity, respect and celebration. Throughout the event, participants were able to learn more about Indigenous traditions and cultural practices and connect with local organizations and community members. The celebration was a reminder to recognize Indigenous heritage and to promote understanding and respect throughout the year.

The event was presented by a collaboration of community partners and proudly funded by the Government of Canada.

ChetTV and Peace FM were pleased to provide coverage of the celebration, capturing the memorable moments and stories shared throughout the day.

Every June 21, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the unique cultures, languages, traditions and ongoing contributions of Indigenous Peoples to communities across the country.

 

Youtube Video : https://youtu.be/3r0TX4GDR88?si=ctfYVNjyNqwMjfbY

For more photos: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AYC8RvCa7/?

 

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(Vancouver, BC) – July 14, 2026 – Kim Haakstad, President & CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) issued the following statement in response to the announced closure of another pulp mill:  

 

“COFI extends our deepest concern to the workers, families, and communities affected by today’s closure announcement. For too many people across this province, the consequences of inaction for the struggling forestry sector are happening in real time.  

While this is a difficult day, it also underscores the urgency of working together on short-term action to stabilize the sector – ensuring mills stay open, people stay employed, and forestry continues to anchor rural, urban and First Nations communities across BC.   

 

It also highlights the importance of continued collaboration between industry and government to address the structural challenges and help restore the conditions for a globally competitive forest sector. 

 

Forestry supports nearly 100,000 good jobs, generates billions in economic activity, and underpins reconciliation and rural stability. Every day without long-term predictable and economic access to wood means more families, workers, and communities are put at risk. 

 

We call on the provincial and federal governments to urgently implement the recommendations of the Forest Sector Transformation Task Force, with a specific focus on improving access to wood and utilization of sawmill residuals.”  

 

SOURCE: COFI Media Release

www.cofi.org

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July 10, 2026

Union says job action will continue as nurses await evidence government and employers are prepared to reach a fair agreement

The BC Nurses' Union says today's appointment of special mediators to assist with negotiations is only meaningful if it results in the significant movement needed to address the issues driving thousands of nurses to job action across the province.

The union also expressed disappointment that news of the appointment was announced publicly before it had been formally communicated to the Nurses' Bargaining Association (NBA)."

The first time nurses should hear about a major development in negotiations should not be through a government announcement,” said BCNU President Adriane Gear. “Nor should we be learning through the media who we will be working with. The way today’s announcement was communicated does little to build the trust that’s needed to move these negotiations forward.”

The appointment comes after bargaining reached an impasse and nurses began escalating job action across British Columbia, following a record 98.2 per cent strike mandate."

This is not how a process built on good-faith bargaining should unfold," says NBA Chief Negotiator Jim Gould. “As the NBA prepares to participate in the mediation process, nurses remain focused on securing an agreement that meaningfully addresses wages, staffing shortages, workplace violence and the growing pressures facing the profession.”

Job action will continue while mediation gets underway with picket lines expected to go up at Victoria General Hospital on Sunday and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on Monday and the Royal Jubilee Hospital on Tuesday."

Nurses are taking the difficult step of escalating job action because they're fighting for solutions,” says Gear. “We remain hopeful, but we are also realistic. Until we see meaningful progress at the bargaining table, nurses will continue standing together and taking action to fight for the changes patients and our profession need."

BCNU says the coming days will demonstrate whether the appointment represents a genuine commitment to resolving the dispute or simply another delay in addressing the challenges nurses have been raising throughout bargaining.

 

Source: www.bcnu.org

 

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