It would be good to have the wet bulb temperature readings publicly displayed in Market Square

A wet bulb temperature above 80° F can be very dangerous, even for a perfectly healthy person. Above 95° F is considered unsurvivable for more than a few hours.

Extreme Heat

Although TOSHA does not have a specific regulation covering heat stress hazards, the "General Duty Clause," of the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Act requires each employer to, "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm." TOSHA has previously used the General Duty Clause to cite employers that have allowed employees to be exposed to potential serious physical harm from excessively hot work environments.

The Act allows employees to file a confidential complaint with TOSHA, which may result in an inspection or investigation. If you are being exposed to a serious hazard in the workplace or if you feel that an unsafe or unhealthful work condition exists, you can file a complaint with TOSHA.

File a Safety/Health Complaint with Tennessee State Government

Although there are no state regulations per se, OSHA/NIOSHA has an app that provides guidance on work related temperature events. My last year I monitored it daily and relayed its existence to my union steward who presumably sent this information up the ladder. I didn't make it a secret that I was checking it, but in the summer of 2020 we didn't quite get to the level where extra break time was indicated for my position. Before I left package, I had put a thermometer in the back of my package car and was monitoring that temperature as well. I was fairly determined to get air conditioning in all out vehicles (small breaks from the heat are essential for fighting both heat stroke and exhaustion) but I failed in that effort. Thankfully, the new union leadership was successful in that effort with this new contract, and future UPS vehicles will be equipped with air conditioning.

Safe heat levels have been established and can be verified using that app. Granted, it's a bit more difficult in Tennessee to speak truth to power without a union, that's why we have right to work laws, so employers can legally work you to death, but it can be done if enough people stand up.

I am sure Bill Lee's TOSHA will get right on this.

Is it really wise to play football during this heat wave? Is there a reason kick-off can't be mover to a time when the heat isn't quite as extreme? Seems like this should be an idea that we are addressing.