Worldwide, more and more employers are realizing the importance of creating a comfortable work environment for their staff. Put simply, when conditions get too hot, productivity drops—which means profits fall, too. The human body can only take so much from extreme conditions before it begins to slow or even shut down.

Thankfully, there are relatively affordable solutions for keeping workers comfortable enough to stay productive during their shifts, even if they work in a hot climate in a building without air conditioning. In this article, we’ll take a look at: 

• The science behind how an overheated workplace affects the body,
• An overview of how extreme temperatures impact productivity, and
• How industrial fans provide an ideal solution.  

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“Comfortable” Numbers

According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), the temperature inside a workspace should be within the range of 68 to 76°F (21°C to 25°C), with humidity kept between 20 and 60%. When conditions get too hot, body temperatures can rise to 100° F or higher, potentially causing heat stress disorders such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, which can lead to nausea, cramps, vertigo, fainting, and fatigue, which can impair a person’s mental and motor sensory skills. 

Even small increases above the OSHA-approved range can negatively affect workplace performance and overall health. A U.S. Department of Energy study found that for every degree in temperature increase above 76°F, individual work performance drops an average of 2%. Another study found that number to be even higher: a 3% decrease in performance for every degree increase.

To put it plainly, hot work conditions decrease productivity substantially. Employees are more prone to increased errors, slower performance speeds, and a reduced ability to concentrate—not to mention the harmful effects on their health and well-being. We haven’t even addressed air quality and humidity, both of which can also have a major impact on job productivity as well.

This decrease in productivity has a direct impact on a company’s performance and profitability. In other words, it literally pays to keep your employees comfortable, especially in physically demanding jobs that are found in factory floors, warehouses, and other industrial settings. 

The Role of Industrial Fans in the Workplace

A comfortable, well-ventilated, and temperature-controlled environment does wonders for boosting worker efficiency, reducing sick days, and even increasing overall morale. This is where industrial fans can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy work climate.

Industrial fans are huge, powerful devices that circulate massive volumes of air and provide ventilation in large spaces such as warehouses or factories. These “high-volume, low-speed” (HVLS) fans are central to providing a comfortable and safe environment for workers—as well as consistent, reliable productivity every day of the year.

How Industrial Fans Improve Workplace Conditions

Installing industrial fans in the workplace does far more than give employees a breath of fresh air. They substantially improve workplace conditions in three key areas:

Air Quality

By circulating fresh air and displacing stale or polluted air, industrial fans profoundly improve air quality. This is especially important in workplaces where fumes, dust, or other pollutants may be present.

Temperature Regulation

In environments where heat-generating machinery is used or where the weather can become extreme, industrial fans help disperse heat evenly across the work area. It prevents hotspots and sustains a comfortable temperature for employees. Even when the interior temperature remains high, industrial fans help workers feel cooler and keep body temperatures at acceptable levels.

Moisture Reduction

Industrial fans also reduce moisture levels and prevent the build-up of harmful substances like mold or mildew. This can be particularly important in humid climates or workplaces where condensation might be an issue.

Different types of industrial fans serve different purposes. HVLS fans are perfect for large spaces that need efficient air circulation, while wall-mounted fans or portable fans might be more suitable for smaller areas or specific workstations. When selecting industrial fans for your building, be sure to consider factors such as the size of your workspace, the type of work conducted, and your local climate.

Boost Your Team’s Productivity With Big Ass Fans

At Big Ass Fans, we know firsthand the crucial role that proper ventilation and temperature control play in workplace productivity. As the world’s top manufacturer of high-quality industrial fans, our engineering team works overtime to develop products that are effective, efficient, and durable. In fact, we produce the world’s number-one selling industrial fan, the Powerfoil® X4. 

We offer a range of industrial fans designed for a wide variety of workspaces and climates. Discover how Big Ass Fans can improve conditions—and productivity—in your warehouse or factory floor by scheduling a free airflow analysis today. 

Transform your workplace into a comfortable, productive environment with Big Ass Fans’ industrial fans.

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