Anyone know of any ariticles or proof that a freezing office environment is not productive?

Question

Our office is so cold....I am wearing two jackets and a coat over my clothes. And - still I can't work because my fingers are numb. No one will listen to those of us in this work area and we are all miserable. I would like to prove to management some studies have been done that a freezing cold work area decreases productivity.

Answer 1

Subpart. 3. Minimum air temperature. Workroom temperatures shall be maintained as follows:

A. The minimum air temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained in all rooms where work of a strenuous nature is performed, unless prohibited by process requirements.

B. The minimum air temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained in all other workrooms unless prohibited by process requirements.

Subpart. 4. Recirculated air. Air from any exhaust system handling materials listed in Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, subpart Z, shall not be recirculated without written permission from the Department of Labor and Industry.

SA: MS s 182.655; 182.657

HIST: 12 SR 634, 21 SR 1897

Temperature Extremes & the Workplace

CWA members are employed in environments, both inside and outside, which may involve exposure to cold and hot temperatures. This fact sheet will focus upon working conditions and related health effects encountered among workers who perform their work outdoors. Working in cold or hot temperatures may lead to an increase in accidents, illnesses, job stress, job dissatisfaction, and a decrease in productivity. To ensure that CWA members are employed in safe and healthful workplaces, the reduction and control of temperature extremes should be of primary concern to employers with which the Union has a collective bargaining relationship.
CWA members employed as cable splicers, installers, service and outside plant technicians, traffic agents, broadcasting workers, and other jobs involving outside work are routinely exposed and likely to suffer potentially hazardous exposures to cold and hot temperatures.

Working in Cold, Outside Environments

Because humans are warm-blooded, the body maintains a fairly constant temperature. The human body burns fuel and manufactures heat to keep temperatures within safe limits. Exposure to cold temperatures may cause the body's internal temperatures to fall below safe limits. This occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. The body's heat loss will also be affected by such factors as the amount of moisture in the air (humidity), the amount of wind, and the type of clothing that is worn.

As the body loses heat, blood vessels in the skin constrict to conserve internal heat. Thus, in cold environments, a worker's hands and feet are affected first. Cold and numb hands and feet are the first signs that the body is reacting to conserve heat. If the body continues to lose heat, involuntary shivers may occur. Involuntary shivers are both the body's way of attempting to produce heat and the first warning of hypothermia, or decreased body temperature. Additional heat loss may cause the brain to become less efficient, produce speech difficulty, forgetfulness, disorientation, loss of manual dexterity, collapse, and, possibly, death.

Controlling the Hazard

The preferred method of protecting workers from cold environments is through the implementation of engineering controls such as enclosures and adequate heating systems. However, for many CWA members exposed to extremely cold outside temperatures, engineering controls may not be either feasible or practical. Under these conditions, employers must provide proper personal protective equipment. Properly fitted, multi-layered clothing with an outer shell of windproof material is recommended. Clothing should be made of low-density resilient materials such as quilted fibers, pile, or loosely woven wool or synthetics. Such clothing will allow perspiration to evaporate, while keeping the body warm. If one's clothing becomes wet, it should be changed. Wet clothing will cause the body to lose heat quickly, because evaporating water takes up a lot of heat.

Frequent rest breaks are also important. In cold, winter conditions, a warm shed or van should be available so that workers can warm up and allow their body temperatures to recover from the cold.

Workers exposed to cold environments may notice their skin beginning to sting or tingle. If this occurs, the skin should be rubbed to stimulate circulation. However, in cases where the body becomes numb, the skin should not be rubbed. Rather the affected body parts should be immersed in warm water or warmed by other suitable means.

If a CWA member is stranded in a vehicle during a storm, she/he should stay in the vehicle. The engine will furnish heat, while the vehicle acts as a shelter from outside elements. Particular caution should be taken to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide from the engine. The motor should be run sparingly, and for adequate ventilation, the downwind window opened. To stimulate circulation, arms and legs should be moved vigorously. For additional warmth, in an extreme emergency insulation from the vehicle's seats may be taken and stuffed in one's clothing. Employers should ensure that vehicles are well maintained, in proper working condition, and are well stocked with emergency supplies.

Answer 2

Good question. I've had this same argument with the facilities guys where I work. My argument was that they pay to excessively cool the air, and then when we all bring space heaters in to heat it back up, they pay for the electricity. This was last summer and the air conditioner was on to cool the air.