Eclipsing Hazards: Canada’s Guide to Worker Health?& Safety

As Canada gears up for the enthralling solar eclipse set to unfold on the 8th of April 2024, it's crucial to prioritize safety, especially for workers out in the sunshine. The celestial phenomenon, while awe-inspiring, carries inherent risks that necessitate careful planning and precautionary measures from employers nationwide.?

The significance of this event extends beyond its visual spectacle; it underscores the importance of workplace safety in unusual circumstances.?

A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, appearing to completely cover it for a few minutes. It is a rare event that captures many people’s attention, but for that reason it also presents various safety concerns.?

Looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes—even when the sun is covered during an eclipse. If you want to view the eclipse, do not do so without specialized eye protection.?

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light can harm the sensitive cells in your eyes. Overexposure to UV light can cause symptoms including blurry or distorted vision and blind spots. It can also contribute to longer-term vision problems.?

The only safe way to directly look at a solar eclipse is by using eclipse glasses or solar viewers that meet the?ISO 12312-2 standard. These devices have been tested and are certified to filter enough sunlight and solar radiation to ensure your eyes are protected when viewing an eclipse.?

PLEASE NOTE:?

• Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark they are (ISO-certified solar filters are 1,000 times darker than ordinary sunglass lenses).?
• A camera, telescope, or binoculars, unless they are fitted with filters specifically designed for solar viewing.?
• A welder’s mask with a filter rating below Shade 14.?

Safe, INDIRECT METHODS of watching the eclipse (i.e., not looking directly at the sun) are:?

• Using a?pinhole camera?
• Watch the eclipse online via a?livestream?

Employers are advised to provide their teams with protective eyewear designed specifically for eclipse viewing, ensuring that the excitement of the moment doesn't lead to long-term vision damage. This is not just about having any sunglasses but ensuring they are equipped with adequate UV protection to safeguard against the sun's harmful rays.?

The focus should not only be on the immediate viewing experience but also on the broader implications of working under such extraordinary conditions, particularly in environments like those near large bodies of water, where the risk is amplified due to the reflection of the sun's rays.?

With the total solar eclipse occurring during work hours this year, here are some strategies for safeguarding your team:?

• Deliver a safety talk to inform workers of the health risks that come with looking at the sun, including during an eclipse.?
• Please wear proper eye protection if working outside.?
• Please wear high-visibility clothing if working outside and the jobsite is adequately lit.?
• Please seek immediate medical help if any of you experience health issues during the eclipse.?

These are all part of a comprehensive approach to employee safety. This event serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in occupational health and safety. ?

As we await the eclipse, visible predominantly in the eastern and northern regions of Canada, let's embrace the marvel of nature with a keen eye on safety, turning this event into an opportunity for learning and growth in the realm of workplace health and safety.