It’s a sweltering July afternoon in Kamloops during a record-breaking heatwave. Temperatures climb above 40°C, air conditioners struggle to keep up, and staff in a long-term care facility move quickly to help residents stay cool. Some residents are frail, others rely on oxygen, and a few have mobility challenges that make even small tasks difficult. Staff work tirelessly to prevent heat exhaustion while managing their own fatigue. Extreme events like this are becoming more common in B.C., placing healthcare workers on the front lines of climate-related emergencies.  

Heat, air quality, and their role in health 

Healthcare staff often work long hours in conditions that can become dangerously hot during heatwaves. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, tiredness, and strain on the heart. Poor air quality from wildfires or city pollution can make breathing difficult and worsen existing lung problems. Over time, these conditions increase the risk of serious health problems. The Canadian Institute for Climate Choices says extreme heat events are expected to happen more often and become stronger, putting workers at even greater risk. 

The mental and emotional toll can be just as serious. Facing extreme weather events, such as floods, fires, or storms, repeatedly can increase stress, anxiety, and burnout. The constant pressure and uncertainty can make it hard to focus, rest, or feel safe. Experts say these mental health effects often last long after the events are over, quietly affecting daily life, sleep, and overall wellness. 

Preparing workplaces for the future 

While we can’t control the weather, we can certainly take steps to keep workers safe: 

• Assess risks before they happen: Do risk assessments for the workplace, the location, and the type of work before extreme weather happens. 

• Update emergency and evacuation plans: Make sure first aid and emergency plans are ready.  

• Train staff for climate hazards Teach staff how to spot and respond to heat exhaustion, poor air quality, and other weather hazards. 

• Stay informed on weather and air quality: Keep up with updates from public health, safety authorities, and environmental agencies. 

• Support mental health: Recognize mental health impacts and offer support and resources. 

• Provide protective equipment: Make sure staff have N95 masks for smoke, and make sure staff are fit-tested. 

As the World Health Organization put it, “Protecting workers from climate change is a matter of life and death.” (par. 5, 2025). The health and safety of healthcare workers will continue to be affected as the climate changes. Protecting staff is necessary for a strong healthcare system and the patients they care for. Employers and workers must collectively work together to prepare for these climate events.  

Our safety huddles can help you plan for a changing climate, covering the importance of an exposure safety plan, wildfires and moral distress, and extreme heat.  

Take action today by exploring vulnerability mapping to understand risks in your workplace and using this emergency preparedness info sheet to build safer conditions for staff and residents.