Heat takes a toll, but injuries can be prevented, says WCB Nova Scotia

Halifax, N.S. — As temperatures rise, so do heat-related workplace injuries. 

Nova Scotia is under a heat warning this week, and WCB Nova Scotia is reminding workers and employers of the human toll workplace injuries can take.

Since 2015, 201 Nova Scotians have needed medical attention or lost time from work due to heat-related injuries or conditions. 

Hotter summers, more injuries
While workplace injuries overall are at record lows, heat-related claims have increased in recent years, as temperatures climb. The worst year was 2018, the hottest summer on record in Atlantic Canada when extreme heat caused 34 workplace injuries. They continued to climb, reaching 23 injuries in 2024 and 27 in 2025. This year, so far, there have already been eight. 

Heat stroke affected 40 Nova Scotians. Twenty-six (26) workers fainted on the job.  Dozens of others reported nausea, vomiting, cramps, confusion, chest tightness and sudden weakness, often while doing ordinary tasks. Some workers were rushed by ambulance to hospital, and needed intravenous fluids as dehydration stressed internal organs. 

The good news is that most of the injuries didn’t require extended time off of work. Most workers were able to return to work quickly, once they received the care they needed.

"The injury stats underscore the importance of prevention,” says Matt Ross, WCB’s Director of Employer Performance.  "Heat is a workplace hazard. But if we proactively plan for it and take the right precautions, workers can safely work in the heat and go home safe."

Over the 10-year period, the construction industry had the most heat-related injuries, with 59. Twenty-four (24) of them in the heat-intensive work of road building. There were 15 heat related claims in firefighting, among 48 overall in all levels of government services. That includes transportation, public works, field staff, parks and natural resources workers, and others whose jobs required prolonged work outdoors or in high-heat environments or work in heavy gear. 

And heat is not only an outdoor problem. Workers in kitchens, manufacturing plants, and health settings have all been impacted when working in high heat and humidity indoors.

Keeping workers safe in the heat
Employers should treat heat like any other hazard. Check the conditions, adjust the work, and protect people before anyone gets sick. The basics like water, rest, shade, and a reasonable work pace can help keep workers safe. Watch for the early signs, such as heavy sweating, dizziness, cramps and nausea, and act fast to move to a cooler environment, and reduce the person’s body temperature.

Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, a partner with WCB in the Safer Workplaces Together initiative, is sharing heat-safety reminders this summer through NovaSAFE, the Province's workplace safety online resource. 
 

More information:
 

Heat-related workplace injuries over time

Industry breakdown