Maximum allowable indoor and working temperatures

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) urge the provincial government to include air conditioning and classify cooling as vital services so landlords are obligated to supply air conditioning or cooling systems within all habitable spaces in rental units.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that RNAO advocate for whatever policy means available at all levels of government to push for maximum allowable indoor temperature of 26°C in residential dwellings, congregate living and health-care facilities as well as workplaces (workplace exemptions could exist so long as occupational safety mechanisms are put in place), and advocate for changes to the Labour Code to include guidelines for safe outdoor working conditions in high temperatures.

Author:

Philicia Joseph, Rob Samulack RN BScN BEng, Josalyn Radcliffe RN PhD(c) BScN BA, Cailin Doyle NP MScN BScN, Elwad Ahmed BScN(c), Hilda Swirsky RN MEd BScN, Nancy Brookes RN BN MSc(A) PhD, Emma Ayukawa RN BScN BScH on behalf of the Ontario Nurses for the Environment Infirmiers/Infirmiéres de l’Ontario pour l’environnement

Conflict of interest:

No known conflict of interest

Year carried:

2025

Last updated:

June 18, 2025