Outdoor workers in the Okanagan have a tough go of it when smoke in the air causes the air quality health index to rise. 

At the present time, the entire valley is facing a “very high risk” due to health impacts from wildfire smoke. For workers and others whose days must be spent outside, it can be hard on the lungs. 

"A lot of people are working outside right now, and when they do hard physical work and strenuous types of activity in the heat, they can actually be breathing in as much as 20 times the contaminants that they normally do just walking around," said WorkSafeBC manager for prevention Patrick Davie.

Construction worker Brodey said at his work site Monday that it had been a particularly difficult day. 

"Like this, today, is just horrible," he said, gesturing to a cloud of smoke on the horizon behind him. "You know you can really feel it, if you're working hard, you can feel it in your lungs, you get tired easily."

Davie said that while avoidance is the best way to deal with bad air quality, he knows that isn't always feasible. 

"It's not always easy to hide away from it but there are some things we can do," Davie said. "Try to have your job, if possible, scheduled outside of the hottest parts of the day, that's before 11 o'clock in the morning and 3 o'clock in the afternoon."

He added that modifications to the workplace, whether that's a construction site, outdoor patio or any other jobs outdoors, can help too. 

"If possible, can you put shade up? Is it possible to add fans?" he said. Another tip: Drink plenty of water, at least a glass an hour.

He also mentioned wearing light colours and breezy, loose clothing, if your job will allow. 

The Okanagan's smoky situation doesn't look like it will be clearing up until at least midweek.