Addressing the Indoor Heat Crisis: The Urgent Need for Workplace Protections at Rutgers University and Beyond

The Growing Concern of Indoor Heat Exposure in the Service Sector

Recent research underscores the increasingly urgent need for comprehensive workplace protections against indoor heat exposure, especially in the service sector. With climate change driving up temperatures and workplaces often lacking proper regulations, millions of workers in retail, food service, and warehouse environments face significant health risks every summer. These risks include heat exhaustion, heat-related illness, and long-term health complications, all of which demand immediate attention from policymakers and employers alike.

At the forefront of this issue is a Rutgers University study led by Associate Professor Hana Shepherd of the Department of Sociology at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Conducted in partnership with the Workplace Justice Lab@RU, the report reveals startling statistics about indoor heat exposure among service workers across the United States.

Key Findings: The Scope of Indoor Heat Exposure among Service Workers

The Rutgers-led research analyzed data from over 3,500 service sector employees nationwide, uncovering that a significant portion regularly experiences indoor temperatures exceeding 80°F. The findings are especially concerning given that nearly half of surveyed workers report already working in conditions at or above this threshold.

Specifically, 65% of retail and food service workers felt uncomfortably hot or overheated at work, with 36% frequently experiencing such conditions. Warehouse workers, fast-food employees, and restaurant staff reported even higher levels of heat exposure, with 63%, 58%, and 52%, respectively, experiencing the greatest heat levels among indoor workers.

Heat-related health symptoms are common in this population, including headaches (37%), fatigue (34%), and nausea (24%) within the past year. Such symptoms not only impact worker comfort but also pose serious safety hazards, increasing the risk of accidents and long-term health issues.

Health Risks and Limited Mitigation Options

The health implications of indoor heat exposure extend beyond discomfort. Prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, and cardiovascular stress. For service sector workers, who often lack control over their environment and cannot easily regulate temperature, these risks are magnified.

According to Shepherd, many workers have limited ability to mitigate heat exposure—especially in environments where regulating indoor climate is not prioritized or enforced. As a result, vulnerable populations such as warehouse workers or food service employees are at higher risk of adverse health outcomes.

Coverage and Gaps in Current Workplace Protections

Despite these alarming findings, existing regulations are fragmented and insufficient. At the federal level, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed standards based on an 80°F threshold for heat exposure. However, such standards are not yet universally enforced, and many states lack specific heat protections.

For example, New Jersey doesn’t have a dedicated heat standard, although legislation has been proposed to establish one. This patchwork of protections means many indoor workers are left vulnerable, especially given the inconsistent enforcement of existing policies.

The Need for Updated Regulations and Enforcement

The Rutgers study emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive federal and state regulations to address indoor heat exposure effectively. Clear standards must define safe temperature thresholds, and protocols should establish how workplaces can monitor and mitigate heat risks. Employers need to implement cooling measures, provide hydration, and modify work schedules during extreme heat conditions.

Broader awareness is also essential. Workers should be educated about heat-related symptoms and encouraged to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. Robust inspection and enforcement mechanisms are critical to ensure compliance and protect workers’ health.

Implications for Policy and Workplace Safety

Addressing indoor heat risks isn’t only a matter of individual health but also of social justice. Service sector workers—particularly those in low-income and minority groups—often have limited bargaining power and face greater exposure without adequate protections. Policymakers nationwide must prioritize establishing enforceable standards that safeguard these vulnerable populations.

Further, workplaces must adapt to climate realities through infrastructure improvements and policy changes. For example, investing in ventilation, air conditioning, or temperature regulation systems in indoor environments can significantly reduce heat exposure.

Taking Action: How Employers and Policymakers Can Respond

Employers can begin by conducting heat risk assessments and developing internal policies aligned with best practices. Implementing hydration stations, providing cooling fans or A/C units, and adjusting work hours during peak heat can make a substantial difference.

For policymakers, establishing clear, enforceable regulations based on current scientific data is essential. Advocating for statewide heat standards, like the proposed legislation in New Jersey, provides vital protections that can be expanded nationwide.

If you want to learn more about how workplace protections are evolving and what steps can be taken, explore programs related to workplace safety and occupational health. Discover how Rutgers University is leading research in occupational safety and workplace protections.

Understanding the Broader Impact and Future Directions

The indoor heat crisis highlights the intersection of climate change, occupational health, and social equity. As temperatures continue to rise, the urgency of implementing effective protections grows. Universities like Rutgers are at the forefront of research aimed at informing policy and protecting vulnerable workers—an effort that requires collaboration among governments, industries, and civil society.

Engaging with these issues ensures that all workers, regardless of their industry or income level, are protected from preventable heat-related illnesses and risks. Education, legislation, and workplace innovation are critical components of a comprehensive solution to this pressing issue.

Get Involved and Stay Informed

To stay updated on advances in workplace safety and occupational health, subscribe to relevant publications and engage with organizations advocating for worker protections. If your company or community seeks guidance on implementing heat safety measures, consult experts and consider partnering with research institutions like Rutgers University that are dedicated to advancing workplace health standards.

Take the next step in safeguarding workers’ health by advocating for stronger regulations and better workplace conditions. Submit your application today to programs focused on occupational health or contact local representatives to push for policy change. Together, we can address the indoor heat crisis before it worsens further.