This edition of our Global Occupational Hygiene Updates & Trends highlights emerging developments shaping workplace health and safety across Canada and around the world—from heat-stress prevention efforts and vibration exposure awareness to evolving digitalisation risks and international carcinogen-reduction initiatives.
Our Occupational/Industrial Hygienist, Kenny Li, carefully researched and compiled these insights to help clients and partners stay current with global OHS priorities, regulatory trends, and evidence-based prevention strategies. Kenny’s dedication to advancing worker protection and knowledge sharing reflects T. Harris Environmental Management Inc.’s ongoing commitment to providing trusted, forward-looking expertise in occupational hygiene and safety management.
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Heat‑stress prevention and advocacy (Canada)
A WHO/WMO technical report warns that generic heat‑health alerts don’t meet workers’ needs and calls for tailored heat‑health policies, protection for vulnerable groups, responder training, stakeholder engagement and research. The WHSC cites research estimating that around 220 Canadian workers die each year from heat stress. Ontario lacks a specific standard, so labour advocates support Bill 36 to require employers to implement heat‑stress policies and training. Labour groups are distributing hygrometers to help workers monitor temperature and humidity and support the campaign for a heat‑protection standard.
Protect workers from heat and cold
PPE experts told that keeping workers safe in extreme temperatures requires garments that balance warmth, comfort and mobility. Layering moisture‑wicking base layers under high‑visibility and FR/AR clothing helps workers stay dry in both heat and cold; ventilated hard hats and cooling vests with phase‑change packs are increasingly popular. Companies should train staff to recognise heat and cold‑stress symptoms, provide hydration, rest and shade, and use tools such as wet bulb globe temperature monitors to determine when extra cooling or breaks are needed.
Hand‑arm vibration in the workplace
Millions of workers in construction, maintenance, mining, forestry and other sectors are exposed to hand‑arm vibration, risking conditions collectively known as hand‑arm vibration syndrome. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, pain, weakened grip and the vascular disorder known as vibration white finger. OSHA recommends using vibration‑damping equipment or isolators, maintaining machines, alternating tasks, giving 10–15‑minute breaks every hour, educating workers about vibration hazards and keeping hands warm with a light grip.
‘Forever’ chemical safety
Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in food packaging, firefighting foam and many industrial processes; they persist in the environment and human bodies and are known as “forever chemicals”. Estimates of the number of PFAS vary widely (the OECD lists about 4 700, while the U.S. EPA identifies more than 15 000), and OSHA has yet to set specific exposure limits. Safety experts advise employers to inventory all PFAS‑containing products, use digital tools to find safer alternatives, demand supply‑chain transparency and participate in research and regulation development. Acting proactively can build public trust and mitigate future liabilities.
Silica and dust exposure in concrete floor trades (IHSA)
A bulletin from Canada’s Infrastructure Health and Safety Association found that respirable crystalline silica concentrations ranged from 3.6 to 16.9 mg/m³ during tasks such as sandblasting, chipping indoors, hand grinding and sweeping—far above regulatory limits. IHSA recommends prioritising engineering controls, using vacuum attachments and water suppression, working outdoors when possible, installing local exhaust ventilation and ensuring properly fitted respirators, which can reduce exposure by a factor of 10.
Mental health support training for construction supervisors (USA)
A 60‑minute self‑paced course developed by the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences is available free during September to help construction supervisors recognise and respond to workers experiencing mental‑health issues. The course offers evidence‑based content, a two‑week behaviour‑tracking tool and downloadable resources. Participants learn strategies to reduce worker stress and support mental health. According to CPWR research, nearly half of construction workers experience depression due to job demands, insecurity, long hours, hazardous work, poor safety climates and bullying.
Effective hearing protection management (UK)
The UK Health and Safety Executive reminds employers that earplugs and earmuffs are a last line of defence against noise‑induced hearing loss. Its CUFF framework advises employers to check the Condition of hearing protectors and replace them when damaged; ensure workers Use protectors whenever exposed to hazardous noise; train workers so devices Fit properly; and select protection Fit for purpose to avoid over‑ or under‑protection. HSE warns that poor management wastes money and leaves workers at risk of irreversible hearing damage.
Good work relationships reduce injuries and illnesses
A Japanese study of 11 000 employees found that higher workplace social capital (WSC)—bonding within teams, bridging across teams and linking between employees and management—was associated with markedly fewer occupational injuries or illnesses. Workers with high WSC had a 37 % lower risk of injury/illness; bonding, bridging and linking subtypes reduced risks by 32 %, 27 % and 45 %, respectively. Researchers say trust and cooperation enable employees to share safety information and follow safe practices, and they urge employers to foster supportive relationships to improve safety and wellbeing.
Worker concerns about digital technology and psychosocial risks
EU OSHA’s OSH Pulse 2025 survey of more than 28 000 workers found that digitalisation and algorithmic management are reshaping jobs but also amplifying psychosocial risks. Ninety percent of workers use digital devices at work; roughly one quarter report that AI or software allocates tasks or monitors their performance, 48 % say technology dictates their work speed, and 30 % feel isolated. Over 40 % experience severe time pressure, while violence (16 %) and harassment (8 %) remain issues. Respondents also highlighted heat and air quality impacts from climate change. EU OSHA calls for transparent adoption of digital tools, worker participation and climate resilient measures to safeguard mental health and wellbeing.
Carcinogens at work: prevention is key
An IOSH commentary notes that occupational cancers claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year but are largely preventable. Between 2013 and 2022, the EU recognised over 37 000 occupational cancer cases, with exposures to asbestos, diesel emissions, benzene, silica and formaldehyde common in construction, mining, road maintenance and firefighting. More than 60 % of workers in some sectors face multiple carcinogen exposures, and longer working hours increase risk. The article urges employers to identify carcinogens, replace hazardous substances when possible, implement ventilation and enclosure controls, adjust work schedules and provide PPE as a last resort. It promotes the International Occupational Hygiene Association’s Transmission‑Receptor model for assessing hazards and emphasises substitution, engineering controls and evidence‑based leadership.
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