Can workplaces use humidex to monitor conditions that may result in heat-related illness?
Humidex as reported by weather forecasters is intended for the general public to express the combined effects of warm temperatures and humidity. Heat-related illnesses depend on many workplace factors in addition to air temperature and humidity. Wind speed or air movement, work load, radiant heat sources and a person’s physical condition are also important. Under certain workplace conditions, the humidex may serve as an indicator of discomfort resulting from occupational exposures to heat. For example, when humidity is high, but when work load, wind speed and radiant heat sources do not significantly contribute to the heat burden, humidex may be useful. Offices are typical of workplaces where humidex could be used. It is important to use the values of the temperature and relative humidity obtained by actual measurements taken in the workplace. Conditions inside the workplace may significantly differ from those given by the Weather Service. How do I know what the humidex is? If you know
