OSH Answers Fact Sheets

What are climate related emergencies? Due to climate change, there has been an increase in extreme weather events. Climate related emergencies refer to emergency situations caused by these extreme weather events, such as: Extreme heat and cold events Forest Fires  / Wildfires Floods and heavy rain and snow Severe winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes Air pollution and smog Other extreme weather events Why do workplaces need to plan for climate related emergencies? The...

What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. The severe diseases have included: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) (first reported in 2012, all cases have been linked to countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) ...

Is it important to wash your hands? Simply put, yes. Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. You can spread certain "germs" (a general term for pathogens like viruses and bacteria) casually by touching another person. You can also catch germs when you touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then you touch your face (mouth, eyes, and nose). "Good" hand washing techniques includes using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the...

What are wildfires and forest fires? Wildfires and forest fires are any fire that occurs in forests, brush, shrubs, and grasslands. These fires are a natural part of the ecosystem and help maintain forest diversity and health. In this document, we will use the term wildfire to refer to either wildfires, wildland fires, or forest fires. What causes wildfires? Wildfires are most often started by lightning strikes or by human activity. Between early April and late October, many regions of Canada...