Construction and lawn care workers in Saskatchewan are adjusting their routines as an intense heat wave brings widespread heat warnings across the province.

In Saskatoon and other communities, workers report taking more frequent breaks, using short “micro breaks,” and increasing water intake to cope with rising temperatures.

Many also try to start work earlier in the morning to avoid the peak heat of the day, though they acknowledge that outdoor labour becomes increasingly difficult once temperatures climb.The article highlights comments from workers who describe the conditions as physically demanding and difficult to manage despite best efforts.

A Saskatoon-based lawn care worker noted that while adjusting schedules helps somewhat, there is little that can fully mitigate the impact of sustained high heat on outdoor jobs.Experts in occupational safety stress the importance of pacing and self-monitoring during extreme weather events.

The CEO of the Saskatchewan Safety Council explained that workers should not assume they can perform at the same level as they might in cooler months, even if they have previously worked through hot conditions in late summer.Heat stress can affect both physical performance and cognitive awareness, increasing risks on job sites.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued heat warnings across much of Saskatchewan, with temperatures expected to reach around 35°C in some areas and warm overnight lows persisting for days.

Officials also warned of symptoms associated with heat exhaustion, including dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and headaches, and recommended staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces, and limiting direct sun exposure.

The report also notes that several communities in Saskatchewan recently broke long-standing temperature records, underscoring the intensity of the current heat event and its widespread impact across the province.