Humidex-Based Heat Response Plan

The Humidex is over 45! Do We Need to Shut Down?

During a heat dome, the outdoor (or indoor) Humidex can exceed 45.  See OHCOW's web page featuring a Humidex-based Heat Response Plan for information on how to know when to shut down work and activities, including a video on Time Weighted Average Humidex Calculations by Occupational Hygienist John Oudyk.

OHCOW's Heat Stress Toolkit

OHCOW has partnered with CROSH to review and update our old Heat Stress Awareness Guide. After additions and improvements, the Heat Stress Toolkit is the result! With the hot weather approaching, check out our numerous resources including guidebooks, posters, videos, apps and more!

See our latest editions to the Heat Stress Toolkit:

Recognizing Symptoms in People of Colour:

Many early visual signs of heat stress are not recognized in people with darker skin.

Sex-based Differences:

This fact sheet outlines some general differences in heat regulation between women and men. 

TV Documentary This Friday

On Friday, July 4, 2025, TV Ontario’s #1 tv show, “Crossroads: Beyond Boom & Bust” is premiering an episode on Elliot Lake, Ontario. It will show at 7 p.m.. OHCOW Occupational Health Coordinator Janice Martell and Dr. Christine Oliver were interviewed for this episode, focusing on occupational disease and the McIntyre Powder Project. 

Silica Control Tool for Surface Mining

The Surface Mining Silica Control Tool is here!

The Silica Control Tool with new data, serving a new sector, is here!

The FREE Tool provides an accessible option for the stone, sand, and gravel sector to enhance worker health and safety! It is a step-by-step guide for assessing and controlling Respirable Crystalline Silica exposures for each dust generating task.

You can switch between the Ontario Construction and Ontario Surface Mining with the account you already have!

Or, if you do not have an account, sign up here and get started on your Exposure Control Plan today. 

Retirement Announcement

Michel Seguin, Volunteer LOC Member, Retires

Brittney Rammako sends the following message to the OHCOW and Ontario Occupational Health communities:

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell and extend our warmest congratulations to Michel Seguin on his retirement.

Michel has been a dedicated volunteer on our Local Outreach Committee (LOC) since 2010. Over the years, he has been a passionate advocate for OHCOW and a valued contributor to our mission.

We are truly grateful for the time, energy, and commitment Michel has shared with us. OHCOW has been fortunate to benefit from his insight, and unwavering support.

On behalf of the entire team, thank you, Michel, from the bottom of our hearts. We wish you all the best as you embark on this exciting new chapter.

New Recorded Video

Improving the Recognition and Recording of Work Relatedness

This pilot study aims to address gaps in work and health by integrating occupational data collection into primary care through an online questionnaire. This system will simplify the capture and coding of patient occupation, allowing primary care providers (PCPs) to offer more informed advice on occupational health and wellbeing.