What temperature is legally too hot to work inside?

Author: Odell Langworth  |  Last update: Sunday, March 30, 2025

CALIFORNIA OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS BOARD (a) Scope and Application. (1) This section applies to all indoor work areas where the temperature equals or exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present.

What indoor temperature is an OSHA violation?

According to the new standards, all indoor places of employment where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit or above must comply with regulations around access to water, cool-down areas, acclimatization, training, and more.

Can you legally leave work if it's too hot?

You are free to leave at any time, and the employer is free to fire you if you do so. It's your choice. Now, you can complain to OSHA and they may investigate and rule that the heat is so bad that not having AC is an OSHA violation and even issue citations about it.

What is the highest temperature you can work in legally?

There is no maximum temperature for workplaces. However, all workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard. Find out what you should do to protect workers in high temperatures.

At what temperature does OSHA say it's too hot to work?

The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App is a resource for finding the forecasted and current heat index near your location. The Heat App indicates the hazard levels using the HI as: Caution less than 80°F HI; • Warning 80°F to 94°F HI; and, • Danger at 95°F HI or higher.

Too hot to work?

What is an unsafe temperature to work in?

For example, temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit are considered low risk for strenuous work, while temperatures between 70 and 77 degrees are considered moderately risky for strenuous work, and temperatures above 77 degrees are considered high risk.

Can you sue for workplace being too hot?

Under California law, employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for their employees, which includes protecting them from extreme heat. Employers who fail to take necessary precautions may be liable if a worker suffers a heat-related illness or injury.

What is the new OSHA rule for heat?

Indoor Heat Requirements

On June 20, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 3396, “Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment”. This standard applies to most workplaces where the indoor temperature reaches 82°F.

Is there a rule on too hot to work?

There is no legal maximum or minimum working temperature.

What is the indoor heat illness rule?

For indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take steps to protect workers from heat illness. Some of the requirements include providing water, rest, cool-down areas, methods for cooling down the work areas under certain conditions, and training.

What indoor temperature is unsafe?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 64 degrees (F) in the Winter months while people are in the home. If there are infants or elderly individuals, they recommend keeping the temperature at 70 degrees at a minimum.

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.

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.

What are the first signs of heat exhaustion?

The signs of heat exhaustion include:
  • tiredness.
  • dizziness.
  • headache.
  • feeling sick or being sick.
  • excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
  • cramps in the arms, legs and stomach.
  • fast breathing or heartbeat.

What temperature is too hot for humans inside?

They found that this upper-temperature limit lies between 40℃ (104F) and 50℃ (122F) when the human body stops functioning optimally. Further studies are needed to understand how this happens and offer insights as heatwaves and unusually warm temperatures continue to impact regions across the globe.

How hot is an OSHA violation?

The following states have standards for heat exposure: California. California's Heat Illness Prevention Standard requires employers to provide training, water, shade, and planning. A temperature of 80°F triggers the requirements.

What does OSHA consider hot work?

OSHA defines hot work as: “work involving electric or gas welding, cutting, brazing or similar flame or spark-producing operations.” We should be concerned about hot work because: In our plants a spark invites disaster because of the tremendous potential for flammable vapors or gases to be present.

What are the CDC guidelines for working in heat?

Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Spend time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work. Encourage co-workers to take breaks to cool off and drink water. Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.

Can I leave my job if its too hot?

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 .

Is it safe to work in 120 degree heat?

Strenuous work tasks and those requiring the use of heavy or non-breathable clothing or impermeable chemical protective clothing should not be conducted when the heat index is at or above 115°F.

How hot can a workplace legally be us?

Employees who work in traditional office environments have a lower risk of indoor heat exposure, and although there is no standard related to indoor office temperature, the OSHA technical manualopens in a new tab recommends employers maintain workplace temperatures in the range of 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity ...

How hot is unsafe indoors?

CALIFORNIA OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS BOARD

Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment. (a) Scope and Application. (1) This section applies to all indoor work areas where the temperature equals or exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present.

What is the highest legal temperature to work in?

There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work, because every workplace is different. No meaningful upper limit can be imposed because in many indoor workplaces high temperatures are not seasonal but created by work activity, for example in bakeries or foundries.

What is the indoor heat rule?

For indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take steps to protect workers from heat illness. Some of the requirements include providing water, rest, cool-down areas, and training.

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