Well-being in the office: thermal norms based on male models!
Crisp autumn mornings and longing for a warm office? Naturally, you’d all sign for that! However, many of you tell us that you feel cold while at work in the Commission buildings.
And the Admin narrative that our working environment is both “chill” and “dynamically energizing”? We understand that you wonder whether these views are not a little clouded?
Admittedly, OIB must strive to ensure a minimum temperature of 19°Celsius, However, there are several reasons why you may still feel cold at your desk.
In reality, your thermal comfort depends on six general factors: air temperature, air humidity, heat radiation, drafts, heat production (metabolism depending on the physical workload) and clothing. Thus, the thermal environment can change depending on your office floor and orientation (north or south facing, glass surfaces, air blower etc.).
But equally important: norms on thermal well-being are based on male models (men in their 40s and weighing around 70 kg). However, research points out that these models do not suit women[1]. Furthermore, the Commission risk analyses have not yet taken this into account.
Thus, Union Syndicale Brussels asks the Administration to take due account of all the above aspects and update risk analyses accordingly.
If you are feeling cold, this is what you can do in between:
- Call 55555 and ask for a temperature and air circulation check in your office (keep the ticket!);
- If after the check you do not notice any improvement, you should transfer by email the 55555 ticket to OIB SST functional mailbox (OIB-SIPP-SAFETY@ec.europa.eu) and ask for a check of the thermal environment of your workstation. You can copy your email to Mr Marc Becquet, Head of Department at OIB, and our Union (OSP-US-BXL@ec.europa.eu);
- If after the OIL SST check you are still uncomfortable, you can bring the problem to the Committee for Security and Health at work (EC-CSHT-BXL@ec.europa.eu),), again by copying Mr. Becquet, Head of Department of the OIB, and our union (OSP-US-BXL@ec.europa.eu).
With your support, Union Syndicale Brussels continues its fight for thermal comfort at your workplace!
