Many people with disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cancer, skin conditions or diabetes can be sensitive to temperature variations.
If a person is experiencing sensitivity to cold within the workplace, when sourcing a solution it is important to first identify the sources of cold. Sources of cold within the workplace generally come from a combination of air temperature, humidity (moisture in the air), air movement (including wind & ventilation) and radiant temperature (coming from machines, surface reflection).
Learning to manage sensitivity to cold at work can ensure individuals are able to focus fully on their job or task and participate fully in their role within the workplace (Job Accommodation Network 2005; Workcover NSW 2001).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a number of strategies that can be utilised within the workplace to assist in controlling or modifying the temperature of the work environment or protect the body against cold.
Strategies for indoor workers may include:
- use of a blanket for extra warmth if sitting in an office environment
- allow time for physical activity within the workplace, for instance rather than being seated at a desk all day, build in tasks that require walking around the office
- wear a hat (appropriate to the workplace) as up to 50% of body heat is lost through the head
- consider use of flexible working hours or schedules during colder months, for instance working from home, attending the office or workplace only during warmer hours of the day or rotating tasks in cooler workspaces to those in warmer workspaces
- eliminate draughts
- consider ventilation, insulation and roofing materials of workspace and whether they can be improved
Strategies for outdoor or factory workers may include:
- allow for changes of damp or wet to dry clothes
- cover handles of metal implements with insulating material or wear gloves. See link below for more information:
- provide heated shelter or vehicles in outside work environments for 'warming up'
- consider ventilation, insulation and roofing materials of workspace and whether they can be improved
- rotation of tasks from cold to warm workspaces
- provision of appropriate warm workwear and personal protective equipment or advice as to what is most appropriate to the work environment
A range of products are also available that can assist in modifying the temperature at work:
Installation of separate temperature controls also allows greater flexibility as certain areas of the workplace can have different temperatures, making it possible for many people to work in the same environment and have their needs met with regard to temperature.
Environmental control units provide an easy, independent means of operating the various appliances located in the office or workplace, such as heaters and individual electrical heating pads can be provided to assist people who have sensitivity to cold environments.
There are a range of clothing-related products that are specifically designed to protect the body in cold environments. By dressing in layers of light, loose fitting clothing (especially using thermal fabrics), heat is trapped between the layers and provides warmth, with layers easily removed if becoming warm.
(WorkCover NSW 2001; Job Accomodation Network 2005; Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 2002)
Other job requirements or solutions
References
Job Accommodation Network 2005, Managing Temperature Sensitivity within the workplace, JAN e-news, vol. 3, no. 4, West Virginia, viewed 17 August 2007, http://www.jan.wvu.edu/enews/2005/Enews_V3-I4.htm
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 2002, OSH Answers: Cold Environments – Working in the Cold, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Ontario, viewed 17 August 2007, http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/cold_working.html
WorkCover NSW 2001, Code of Practice: Work in Hot or Cold Environments, WorkCover New South Wales, Sydney, viewed 17 August 2007, http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/C1DA0158-6214-4F2A-869B-B8A7F9F66086/0/cop_hotcoldinv_309.pdf