A comfortable work environment is the result of a balance between temperature, humidity, and air distribution. Whenever temperature differences exist between two or more objects, heat can be transferred. The net heat transfer is always from the object of the higher temperature to the object of the lower temperature.
The ambient environment is important because it influences the rate at which a person’s body heat is exchanged with the environment and consequently, the ease with which the body maintains a normal temperature. At times, people must work in situations where there are extremes of cold or hot temperatures.
This section applies to employers that have employees exposed to extreme temperature conditions. Although OSHA doesn’t have requirements regarding temperatures, the General Duty Clause protects workers from recognized hazards in the work place. Understanding temperature hazards can reduce injury, illness, and health problems in the work place.
Cold stress: