Safety & Health Week 2026
May 4-9, 2026, is Safety and Health Week!
This is an annual national initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community. The initiative focuses on employers, employees, partners, and the public working together to create safe workplaces and communities.
You're invited to join our virtual activities to celebrate Safety and Health Week. Sign up for free, live, online sessions kicking off with the National Launch.
Summer Safety:
With brighter and warmer days approaching, it is important to remember sun safety!
If you are working outside, be aware of the hazards so that you can take steps to control the risks and to recognize the signs of heat stress. Environmental hazards such as exposure to heat, high humidity, and limited air flow can cause heat stress. Contributing factors may also include the worker’s hydration level, clothing, and physical exertion.
Heat stress refers to a variety of heat-related disorders, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can lead to serious or even fatal injury. Symptoms may include weakness, muscle pain, light-headedness, nausea, and high body temperatures.
Preventive steps to help reduce the risk of heat stress while working outside include:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.
- Cover exposed skin with protective clothing or loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Take breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space, if possible.
- Keep everyone safe by providing adequate supervision and using a buddy system to watch for signs of heat stress in co-workers. Early detection is critical.
If you experience the initial signs of heat stress, remove yourself from the environment, drink water, monitor the symptoms, and advise someone in case you need further assistance or medical treatment.
Sun safety is for everyone!
Sources:
What is sun safety? | Sun Safety at Work Canada
First aid advice for sunburn and heat illness - Canada.ca
Each day this week, enter a safety tip for your work area for a chance to win! Email HSE@upei.ca with subject line: SAFETY TIP, and include your name, department, type of work area (lab, office, etc.), and your safety tip!
