Impact of heat on warehouses and warehouse employees
One of the main challenges faced by warehouses is heat build-up, especially during the summer months. The most immediate and pressing concern related to heat in warehouses is its adverse effect on workers’ health, productivity, and work capacity.
A 2019 study on the impact of heat stress on labour productivity from the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated that at a temperature of 33–34°C, a manual worker operating at moderate work intensity loses 50% of his or her work capacity. The physical tasks within these facilities, such as loading and unloading boxes in a hot and humid environment, can elevate body temperatures to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of occupational injuries and other heat-related disorders, namely heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
Excessive heat build-up in warehouses not only affects the health and productivity of employees; it also has a significant impact on inventory and supply chain logistics. High temperatures can damage goods stored in warehouses, leading to product degradation, spoilage, and reduced shelf life. Moreover, some products previously stored at room temperature —typically less than 30°C°— may no longer be stored under uncontrolled temperature conditions. For temperature-sensitive products, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, exposure to heat can result in irreversible damage, rendering them unfit for sale or distribution. This can lead to significant financial losses for companies and erode customer trust and satisfaction. Furthermore, heat-related damage to inventory can disrupt supply chain logistics and operations, causing inventory shortages, increased shipping costs and delays in order fulfillment.
While the effects of heat on worker health and productivity are well-documented, the issue has become even more pressing in recent years, as the proliferation of warehouses propelled by e-commerce and consumer demand has led the U.S. warehouse workforce to double in just five years (2017-2022). This highlights the urgency of adopting prompt action to protect workers and products and ensure adequate working conditions.
Warehouses often feature expansive roof surfaces that absorb a significant amount of solar radiation. These large roof areas act as heat sinks, absorbing heat during the day and radiating it into the building interior, further increasing indoor temperatures. Pirta paint has a proven track record of cooling indoor spaces when applied to a roof and can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to combat rising temperatures. By reducing indoor temperatures, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions, Pirta paint helps create a more comfortable working environment for employees while protecting valuable inventory and products.
Warehouse operators are well-positioned to implement proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with excessive heat. Passive cooling technology allows companies to protect their employees and their products without increasing energy costs and pollution. Temperature monitoring, insulation, and energy efficient cooling and ventilation systems can also be used to maintain optimal storage conditions and protect inventory from heat-related damage. These can be complemented with employee-based measures such as heat illness prevention programs, access to cool rest areas and hydration stations, and scheduling frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. The key is to make a heat action plan before seeing the effects of peak summer temperatures.
Factors that contribute to heat build-up in warehouses
Several factors contribute to heat build-up in warehouses. These include inadequate insulation, large roof surfaces, and adjacency to heat-generating equipment:
Inadequate insulation: Many older warehouse facilities were constructed with minimal or inadequate insulation, making them more susceptible to heat gain by allowing heat to penetrate the building envelope, raising indoor temperatures, and making it more difficult to maintain a comfortable working environment.
Large roof surfaces: Warehouses often feature expansive roof surfaces that absorb a significant amount of solar radiation. These large roof areas act as heat sinks, absorbing heat during the day and radiating it into the building interior, further increasing indoor temperatures.
Adjacency to heat-generating equipment: Warehouses host heat-generating equipment and machinery such as forklifts, conveyor belts, and industrial ovens. The proximity of these heat sources to the building structure can contribute to elevated indoor temperatures, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
Sources
2 NBC News - Big, hot steel boxes: Warehouses are booming as summers heat up and safety rules lag
