Heat Stress Calculator
OHCOW (Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc.) provides an online calculator to assist in determining an adjusted temperature based on relative humidity, clothing/PPE worn, and work conditions. Using this adjusted humidex, the calculator provides a response table to assist in determining recommended precautionary measures. The calculator can use temperature and relative humidity information from a weather app/the news, but also offers more accurate methods if the temperature/relative humidity can be measured in the work area. Departments with a high risk of workers developing heat related illnesses may want to consider the use of a thermometer or thermal hygrometer to measure accurate temperatures/relative humidity in the work area. These can be purchased for relatively low costs (<$30).
Important Considerations
It is important to recognize that the calculator is a tool to aid workers and supervisors in making informed decisions about working in the heat, but should not be the only item considered when making these decisions. Regardless of what the calculator displays it is important to never ignore symptoms and continue to utilize any mitigation measures that have been put in place. The calculator does not take into account individual attributes that may impact heat tolerance and is an estimate based on the information entered.