Skip to content
{notification.title}
{notification.description}

Outdoor work

Outdoor work can be very dynamic – exposing workers to many different hazards. Some examples are extreme temperatures, icy and slippery surfaces, remote locations near wildlife and busy construction sites in urban areas.

The employer must complete a risk assessment of the tasks being performed, with special attention to environmental conditions and locations. Once the risk assessment has been completed, as stated in Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Part 2: General duties, the employer must, if reasonably practicable, eliminate risk through (a) the design of the workplace; (b) design of the work process; or (c) use of engineering controls. The employer must also ensure consultation with workers, worker representatives or committee members.

Hazards and controls associated with working outdoors include but are not limited to, the following:

Thermal stress

  • Develop, implement and train workers on safe work procedures.
  • Provide training and education on the risks of hot and cold weather and how to avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold.
  • Provide training and education on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of thermal stress on the body.
  • Develop and train workers on emergency plans.

Insect bites and ticks

  • minimize standing water on worksites, where reasonably practical
  • use approved insect repellent
  • wear long pants and sleeves and tuck shirt into pants and pants into socks
  • if practical, stay out of long grass
  • use protective clothing, where required, for working in high-risk insect areas, such as in long grass, wooded areas or swamp-like conditions

Wildlife

  • if possible, work and walk in groups
  • make noise to alert animals of your presence
  • when travelling to or from a worksite during dawn, dusk or at night, be extra diligent in watching for wildlife on the roads
  • watch for signs of animal activity in the area
  • keep your worksite clean and all food packed away in proper containers; garbage should be stored in an animal-proof bin
  • never approach wildlife, including their offspring

CSA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used. Other safety equipment and a first aid kit should be readily accessible to all employees.

Legislation

The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation Part 4.6 (1) states that an employer must ensure that an adequate supply of potable drinking water is available to workers.

The employer must provide emergency washing facilities sufficient to the risk of exposure to harmful substances. For further information, please refer to Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation Part 21 Emergency Washing Facilities.

If a worker is often working alone, the employer must identify the risks in conjunction with the committee, representative or workers at the workplace. The employer must, as reasonably practicable, try to eliminate or reduce the risks identified. For further information, please refer to Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation Part 9 Working Alone or In Isolation.

Related links

Hazards and exposures topic list