Smoke is lingering over Hamilton — but how is it affecting some outdoor workers?

The smoke isn't done with us yet, Hamilton.

As hundreds of wildfires continue to rage across the country, a special air quality statement issued by Environment Canada warns that the dangerous haze above Steeltown will linger until at least Saturday.

Residents are advised to reduce their exposure to smoke by filtering indoor air, wearing a mask while outside, and staying inside as much as possible.

But what about people who have to stay outside for work?

How is it affecting workers?

Yakov Sluchenkov, director of employee health and labour relations for the city, told The Spectator that staff have advised leaders to find ways to reduce the time workers spend outdoors as well as rescheduling employees if possible.

Sluchenkov said they're also directing leaders to allow outdoor workers to take breaks inside where possible, reschedule outdoor work to times when the air quality health index is lower and keep an eye out for symptoms related to bad air quality.

Those travelling in city-owned vehicles are advised to keep the windows closed when possible and use the recirculating air setting inside the vehicle, as opposed to bringing in air from the outside, noted Sluchenkov.

Gary Wheeler, spokesperson for the ministry of environment, conservation and parks, said the province has also requested that local industries voluntarily" activate their local poor air quality plan to reduce emissions.

Those measures include reducing material handling, increasing dust suppression on storage piles as well as reducing both on-site traffic and street sweeping activities.

Will the smoke affect my mail?

Janick Cormier, a spokesperson for Canada Post, told The Spectator they had issued a yellow service alert for parts of Ontario, including Hamilton, on Wednesday.

This means that we are doing our best to deliver where employees feel safe to do so but there may be delays," said Cormier, describing the service alert. Currently, wildfires and poor air quality are affecting mail and parcel delivery in some parts of Canada, including Hamilton."

What about the dogs?

Local dog walker Caitlin Copeland told The Spectator that she has had to adjust her services this week in light of the poor air quality.

Copeland said she has condensed walks for dogs with shorter snouts as well as those that are older, noting that breathing can already be an issue for the pups. Some dog owners have even cancelled their walks.

The dogs making the trek outside have made it obvious that the hazy skies are bothering them, she added.

I've noticed that they're doing a lot more licking and rubbing their noses in the grass," said Copeland. So, they're definitely noticing the smoke too."

To help mitigate the effects, Copeland has been bringing extra water, slowing down the pace and taking extra breaks. She also recommends pet owners wash their dog's snouts and paws when they come back in the house.

Spending the last three days walking in the thick of it, Copeland said the gross" conditions have also taken a toll on her.

My throat and lungs are not super happy about it," she added.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com