How cold is unsafe to work?

Author: Olen Abernathy  |  Last update: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Nevertheless, your employer has a legal duty to ensure you're safe when working – no matter how low the temperature drops. Temperatures don't need to be extremely low to cause harm. Even 40°F can be risky if you're outside for a long time, especially if it's windy, rainy, or humid.

What temperature is too cold for work?

OSHA Requirements for working in below zero weather ``When is it too cold to go to work? There's no exact temperature that is legally deemed too cold to work. If temperatures dip into sub-zero territory or if the wind chill is bellow -17 degrees, experts say you should probably stay inside, according to Yahoo! Finance.

What is the coldest temperature you can legally work in?

Minimum workplace temperature

The Approved Code of Practice on the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations suggests the minimum temperature for working indoors should normally be at least: 16°C or. 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort.

Is it an OSHA violation to work in the cold?

Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, employers have a responsibility to provide workers with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards, including cold stress, which are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to ...

What temperature can you refuse to work in the US?

While there are no specific federal regulations about working in extreme cold or heat, you do have a right to a workplace “free from recognized hazards .” That includes exposure to extreme cold and heat. Some states do have more rigorous rules regarding heat, and you can find the state plans here .

Health Risks in Extreme Cold - Mayo Clinic

What temperature is an OSHA violation?

Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment regulation applies to most indoor workplaces, such as restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. For indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take steps to protect workers from heat illness.

Can I sue my job for not having AC?

If you've gotten hurt because of heat exposure at work, you could have a legal claim for personal injury – especially if your employer knew about the hazard and did nothing to fix it. If you got fired because you reported unsafe conditions at work, you could have a claim for wrongful termination.

Can work be Cancelled due to cold?

Cal/OSHA recognizes and warns of the dangers cold-stress presents, particularly hypothermia, frostbite and trench-foot. However, unlike heat, there are no specific standards or requirements employers must follow at either the state or federal level.

What is the unacceptable temperature for working conditions?

Workplace Temperature Violation Laws in California

Indoor workplaces – In California's indoor workplaces, employers are required to maintain a temperature between: 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of work being performed.

Is it legal to work with a cold?

Without a reasonable basis for this however, an employee must report to work. Conditions such as seasonal allergies and the common cold don't escalate to a "direct threat" under the law.

What is the unsafe cold temperature?

In general, when the wind chill is 32° and above, it's safe to be outside. In temperatures 13° to 31°, indoor breaks should happen every 20-30 minutes. For wind chills of 13° and below, you should move activities indoors and outside of the cold as frostbite can set in very quickly.

What is cold stress?

Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result.

How does working in the cold affect you?

Workers exposed to extreme cold or cold environments may experience cold stress and be at risk for a cold-related illness. Types of cold-related illness include hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains.

What is the legal coldest temperature to work in?

There is no legal maximum or minimum working temperature. But by law, employers have a 'duty of care' to make sure working temperatures are reasonable for their staff. This includes at the workplace and working from home.

Can you work in 20 degree weather?

The Dangers of Working in Cold Weather

Your danger level increases with each temperature degree drop. You are in far more danger of injury or death when working in 20 below temperatures than right at the freezing level. Extend that cold temperature to 40 below, and you could be in serious peril in a very short time.

What temperature is frostbite?

Frostbite can happen when air temperatures fall below 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius). In wind chills of -16.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-27 degrees Celsius), frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes.

What temperature should you not go to work?

Fever: A body temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) shows your body is fighting an infection. Rest, hydrate and let your body recover. “Stay home until you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications,” Kadri said.

Does OSHA have rules about temperature?

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%.

Is no air conditioning an OSHA violation?

OSHA does not require employers to provide heat or air conditioning for work spaces. OSHA does recommend temperature control in the range of 68-76°F.

Can I get fired for bad weather?

In the US most employment is at will and it is technically possible to be fired for not showing up during a snow storm.

Can I refuse to work if I feel unsafe?

If the condition clearly presents a risk of death or serious physical harm, there is not sufficient time for OSHA to inspect, and, where possible, you have brought the condition to the attention of your employer, you may have a legal right to refuse to work in a situation in which you would be exposed to the hazard.

Can you be fired for passing out at work?

Depends on the reason. If the person passes out from being drunk or due to illegal drug use while on the job, then yes they can be fired. If the person has an unforeseen medical event, low blood sugar, or a bad reaction to a recently prescribed medication, then no.

Is no AC a dot violation?

Actually, it's not a dot violation for the ac not to work. The defrost function works with or without the ac system working correctly.

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