B.C. faces calls to strengthen worker heat safety rules

British Columbia is facing renewed pressure to update workplace heat protections as the province nears five years since the deadly 2021 heat dome. A new report from B.C. Policy Solutions says current rules have not kept pace with rising heat risks linked to climate change. The report, coauthored by University of Victoria researcher Susanna Klassen, says heatrelated illness can affect workers’ health and raise the risk of accidents. WorkSafeBC recorded 315 heatrelated injury claims from 2020 to 2024, with cases reported across sectors including transportation, construction, public works, food services and film. The recommendations include clearer temperature thresholds that would require employers to provide protections such as shade, water and breaks. The report also calls for stronger enforcement, more worker involvement in rulemaking, and better safeguards for migrant workers, who advocates say are especially vulnerable to heat on farms and in other outdoor jobs. WorkSafeBC said it already runs heatstress inspections and education campaigns and is reviewing its regulations as part of a 20242026 workplan. The agency said it will consult with community representatives before putting any changes out for public consultation.