Media Releases
Temperature Guidelines
Thursday 4 December 1997
Thousands of New Zealand workers have complained to the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour (OSH) about office temperatures and many others work daily in extremely hot and cold climates, prompting OSH to issue two separate guidelines in time for Summer.
What You Need to Know about Temperature in Places of Work has been produced in response to the multitude of enquiries OSH receive every year, particularly from office workers (thermal discomfort), while the Management of Work in Extremes of Temperature addresses occupations which risk heat/cold-related medical conditions.
Both guidelines have been produced to address misunderstandings by managers and staff about safe work temperatures and to assist employers in meeting their legal obligations.
"Thermal discomfort can lead to work accidents and reduces productivity," said OSH Occupational Hygienist Nick Matsas. "These concerns are reflected in the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations which put duties on employers to provide facilities to control the temperature."
"Most workers are comfortable working between 19-24oC and air-conditioned buildings can often be prone to problems as much as non-air conditioned workplaces," Mr Matsas said.
Employers of workers who operate in extreme hot or cold temperatures such as foundries, bakeries and cool stores have the specific obligation under the Health and Safety in Employment Act to prevent harm to their workers.
"As humans are warm blooded, we can internally regulate our temperature, keeping it at 37oC plus or minus 2oC. If the body’s core temperature either rises or falls beyond this, then serious illness or death may result."
"The bottom line is that employers must take the issue seriously. There have been many incidences where workers suffering particularly from heat stress are often less likely to complain and are accepting their conditions," Mr Matsas said.
