Heat Index: 4 Things You Should Know About Work Relief and Compensation
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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If you have been outside in the last few weeks, you don’t need a meteorologist to tell you that not only is it hot, but based on air temperature and relative humidity, this dangerous heat is record-breaking. When you work in the heat, it’s more than just the heat index that you need to think of. You also need to factor in the physical and mental toll.
Work Relief in an Increased Heat Index: 4 Key Takeaways
The human body, outside of light to regular physical activity, is not meant to overly exert itself in this kind of high humidity. If you don’t want to get a new job but are required to work long hours outside, exposure to full sunshine can increase heat-related illnesses. Here are four things you should know about planned work relief efforts, general coverage and other compensation:
- There are now mandates to protect outdoor workers in fields such as agriculture, construction and others. Make sure you know your rights and know that you can request an OSHA inspection.
- OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention campaign educates employers and workers on heat hazards. It provides resources to keep workers safe such as making sure employers provide water, rest and shade.
- Some jobs may provide hazard pay for working in extreme temperatures. If they do, you should check if they have mandates to prevent heat stress or heat-related illnesses.
- Under the Biden Administration, multiple services have come together to protect public health and move forward with an initiative on occupational heat exposure. Some services working towards this are:
- The Department of Labor
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Health and Human Services
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- National Weather Service
OSHA Rules on Heat Index
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration uses several factors to measure heat stress risk for workers on a job site. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Overall environmental conditions like air temperature, air speed, humidity and exposure to sunlight.
- Other heat sources such as factory furnaces or hot tar ovens located in the work area for indoor workers.
- Your physical activity or general workload.
- Whether or not you are provided with the appropriate protective equipment or gear.
OSHA Determination: Temperature vs. Risk for Heat Stress
| Temperature | Unacclimatized Workers (Worked Less Than One to Two Weeks) | Climatized Workers (Worked Two Weeks or More) |
|---|---|---|
| Below 70 degrees Fahrenheit | Low risk | Low risk |
| 70 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit | Possibly unsafe | Low risk |
| Above 77 degrees Fahrenheit | High risk | Possibly unsafe |
Does Your Job Cause Heat Stress?
Heat stress is a risk run by workers who are exposed to extremely high temperatures throughout their jobs. If you believe you are a victim of heat stress due to your working conditions, you may be entitled to compensation or other forms of work relief. Make sure you know your options as this condition can cause occupational illnesses, injuries or even death. Here are some symptoms of heat stress:
- Heat stroke
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat rashes
- Heat cramps
- Severe dehydration
Final Take To GO
As temperatures get higher, so should your employer’s willingness to protect you from them. Make sure to familiarize yourself with new workplace requirements and report any injury or illness that occurs related to heat while on the job. You can also review the results of workplace examinations that have been taken to identify workplace hazards.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding working in the heat.- What is the hottest temperature you can legally work in?
- OSHA claims any temperature above 77 degrees Fahrenheit can put workers at risk for heat stress or heat-related illnesses or injuries.
- Is it an OSHA violation to work in the heat?
- If you work indoors, OSHA recommends the thermostat be set between 68 degrees and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you work outdoors, OSHA mandates that employers provide workers with water, rest and coverage or shade when possible. If your workplace does not supply these things or provide adequate ventilation or compensation, you can request an OSHA inspection.
- Does the Works Progress Administration still exist?
- No, the Works Progress Administration was created to relieve the economic hardship of the Great Depression. It was started by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939, it helped employ millions of people until it was disbanded in 1943.
Information is accurate as of Aug. 17, 2023.
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- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. "Heat."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "HEAT STRESS."
