OSH Answers Fact Sheets

What does a wildland firefighter do? Wildland firefighters  work in natural areas, such as forests, grasslands and other similar environments to prevent and suppress fires, both nationally and internationally. Wildland firefighting is a physically demanding job which requires diverse skills, from operating machinery to managing complex fire operations in remote areas. Wildland firefighters spend prolonged periods in remote, rugged environments, often camping out in the field for extended...

How does working in a hot environment affect a worker's health and safety? Whether work is done indoors in a hot smelting plant or outdoors in the summer months, heat exposure can be dangerous. Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at increased risk of heat stress. Very hot environments can increase your internal body temperature several degrees above the normal temperature of 37°C, overwhelming your body's natural cooling systems and leading to a variety...

Is outdoor air quality an occupational concern?  Outdoor air quality can be an occupational concern, especially during poor air quality events. Employers have a duty to protect workers from hazards in the workplace, including environmental hazards, such as outdoor air quality.   What impacts outdoor air quality in Canada?  Outdoor air pollution comes from both human activity and natural sources. Natural sources contributing to air pollution include dust storms, wildland fires,...

What are wildland fires? Wildland fires are any fires that occur in forests, brush, shrubs, and grasslands. They are a natural part of the ecosystem and help maintain forest diversity and health. They may also include prescribed burns and cultural fires.  What causes wildland fires? Wildland fires are most often started by lightning strikes or by human activity. Between early April and late October, many regions of Canada enter wildland fire season. Hundreds of fires may be burning at one...