A recent investigation by the Workplace Safety and Health Division into the death of a worker at a waste disposal site revealed the use of an inappropriate heating system for the situation. In order to provide an environment where workers can warm up in colder weather, proper heating systems that are safe for workers' use must be provided. It is essential that systems which consume oxygen and use fossil fuels such as kerosene, propane or wood have adequate supplies of fresh air. If not, carbon monoxide may increase to levels within the enclosure that can cause sickness and in some cases death.
Headaches can be the first sign of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The plan must be agreed upon by both the employer and affected worker. Such a plan must assess risks of the job and establish a means of communication that will enable the employer to monitor the worker's well being on the job. Winnipeg Manitoba, 945-3446. Calls may be placed collect if long distance.