OSH Answers Fact Sheets

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...

What factors modify our response to cold? A cold environment challenges the worker in three ways: air temperature, air movement (wind speed), and humidity (wetness). In order to work safely, these challenges have to be counterbalanced by proper insulation (layered protective clothing), physical activity, and controlled exposure to cold (work/rest schedule). Air Temperature : Air temperature is measured by an ordinary thermometer in degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Wind Speed:...

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 is influenza? Influenza, commonly called "the flu", is a contagious disease caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract including nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza causes severe illness and life threatening complications in many people. This document covers seasonal influenza. What is the cause of influenza? There are four types of viruses called influenza A, B, C and D. Influenza types A and B are responsible for the seasonal disease that occurs almost every...