OSHA Recommended Workplace Temperature Range: 68–76°F (20–24°C)

OSHA does not mandate a specific temperature but recommends 68–76°F (20–24°C) for general indoor workplaces as a range promoting thermal comfort and productivity.

Regulatory Context

• General Duty Clause: Employers must address recognized heat/cold stress hazards.
• No federal standard: OSHA has proposed but not finalized a heat illness prevention standard (as of 2024).
• State standards: Cal/OSHA (Heat Illness Prevention: 80°F trigger for outdoor; indoor rule pending), Minnesota (indoor heat/cold), Washington (outdoor heat).

Thermal Comfort Factors

• Metabolic rate: Sedentary (1.0–1.3 METs) vs. heavy labor (4–6 METs).
• Clothing insulation (clo): Business attire ~0.9 clo; PPE adds 0.5–1.5 clo.
• Humidity: 30–60% RH optimal; high humidity impairs evaporative cooling.
• Air velocity: 0.1–0.2 m/s (still air); >0.5 m/s feels drafty.
• Radiant temperature: Hot/cold surfaces affect mean radiant temperature.

Practical Guidance

• Maintain 68–76°F for sedentary work; adjust for activity/clothing.
• Provide local controls (fans, heaters, radiant panels) where central HVAC cannot satisfy all zones.
• Monitor for heat/cold stress symptoms; implement work/rest cycles, hydration, acclimatization.
• Document temperature logs for compliance demonstration.

Thermal comfort is a component of the employer's general duty to provide a hazard-free workplace.