What are OSHA standards for proper work temperature should be for employees?

Question

We are moving into a new office in chicago but the office doesnt have heat yet, so what is the proper temperature range or rules and regulations concerning this?

Answer 1

From the OSHA website:

Office Temperature/Humidity

As a general rule, office temperature and humidity are matters of human comfort. OSHA has no regulations specifically addressing temperature and humidity in an office setting. However, Section III, Chapter 2, Subsection V of the OSHA Technical Manual, "Recommendations for the Employer," provides engineering and administrative guidance to prevent or alleviate indoor air quality problems. Air treatment is defined under the engineering recommendations as, "the removal of air contaminants and/or the control of room temperature and humidity." OSHA recommends temperature control in the range of 68-76° F and humidity control in the range of 20%-60%.

See http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24602

Answer 2

Read the first answer.

There are no rules.

How else do you think people are able to work outside in the winter time on jobs ?

You really think the employees of the electric company should be able to say, ooh it's 5 below outside, I don't care if your electricity is out, osha says it's to cold to work .

Or think about the employees of an Ice House. You can't get much colder job than that.

Answer 3

It will depend on what your job entails. I don't think there is an across-the-board standard. For example- if you work in a meat-packing plant, it needs to stay cold enough that the meat won't rot. I honestly don't even know if they have a temperature standard.
OSHA is to make sure companies are providing safety equipment and implementing policies to keep their employees safe from hazards.

Answer 4

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL OFFICE AND HAVE THEM ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS.GOOD LUCK!