There are Four Hidden Costs of Heat

In a study, NASA measured people just typing. At a temperature of 90°F , they made 42% more mistakes than at 80°F . At 95°F , they did 4x the amount of mistakes than at 80°F degrees! In a setting where people are actually hustling, moving, using tools/equipment, it is much more serious.

A mistake can be as little as taking an extra few seconds to re-tighten a screw or something potentially dangerous. It is all the little motions that add up.

Cost of Quality is expensive. A 1% increase in defects has shown a correlation to a direct reduction in revenue at a 2:1 ratio.

Heat has been shown to cause cognative declines in employees causing a slowdown in productivity. According to Forbes, when workers decline in productivity, the organization they are working for is also less productive. Also, people tend to stay home in the heat and are more prone to dehydration and heat stroke.

OSHA describes outdoor heat injuries as being totally preventable. There are occupational risk factors that can cause heat illness including physical activity, extremely hot working conditions, lack of acclimization, and wearing of clothing that is not breathable.

Employers should always protect their workers from the possibility of heat-related illnesses. Without proper protection, employers can be exposed to liabilities and hefty fines.