Richmond, B.C. – With extreme temperatures in many parts of British Columbia, WorkSafeBC is advising employers to consider closing down their workplaces if workers cannot be protected from the risk of heat stress. “All workers are potentially at risk,” said Al Johnson, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “With the heat wave across B.C., we are warning employers and workers about the risk of developing heat stress. If not recognized and treated early, heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.” …“If an employer cannot be assured that workers will be protected against heat stress, they should seriously consider shutting down their workplace during this extreme heat,” said Johnson. In the last three years, there have been almost 100 accepted claims for work-related injuries caused by heat stress and these are preventable injuries.