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Physiological Indices and Subjective Thermal Perception of Heat Stress-Exposed Workers in an Industrial Plant. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the thermal responses of acclimated workers exposed to heat stress in a real work environment. The physiological indices and subjective thermal perception of the 14 acclimated workers were measured in an industrial plant. The effects of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) on physiological indices and subjective thermal perception were studied. The differences in thermal responses between the acclimated workers and unacclimated college students exposed to heat stress were compared and analyzed. The relationship between the mean skin temperature and the thermal sensation was revealed. The results show that the mean skin temperature, oral temperature, and heart rate of the acclimated workers increase with WBGT, while the blood pressure decreases with WBGT. Compared with the unacclimated college students, the acclimated workers felt more comfortable and tolerant under the same heat stress. The thermal neutral mean skin temperature of the acclimated workers is 32.3 °C, which is approximately 1.0 °C lower than that of the unacclimated college students. The results of this study can help ensure the occupational safety and health of heat stress-exposed workers.
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Pham HT, Pham T, Truong Quang H, Dang CN. Supply chain risk management research in construction: a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15623599.2022.2029677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Thanh Pham
- Faculty of Business Administration, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tho Pham
- Graduate School of Commerce and Management, Hitotsubashi University, Kunitachi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Huy Truong Quang
- School of Business & Management (SBM), RMIT University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Chau Ngoc Dang
- Applied Computational Civil and Structural Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Moohialdin A, Trigunarsyah B, Islam MS, Siddiqui MK. Physiological impacts on construction workers under extremely hot and humid weather. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:315-329. [PMID: 34984491 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01785-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Construction worker health and safety is a primary concern for construction companies and researchers. Arabian Gulf region, like Saudi Arabia, has been experiencing extremely hot and humid (EHH) weather, which directly affects construction workers' health and safety. This study aims to address the problem of EHH weather conditions and their impacts on construction workers' physiological status. METHODS This study assesses the impacts of EHH weather on construction workers' physiological status through the measurement of workers' physical body parameters (age, height, and weight); type of activities; and assigned tasks. Thirty-five multinational workers participated in the measurements, which were conducted in real construction site conditions A quantitative analysis was then applied to quantify the physiological impacts of the weather conditions. Several hypotheses were tested to identify the significant impacts of individual and working aspects on the workers' physiological responses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results provide empirical evidence that the recorded Heart Rate (HR) exceeded the acceptable physiological zones for construction workers exposed to extremely hot and humid weather conditions. Physical body parameters, work activities, and worker status significantly influence construction workers' physiological responses. This study recommends adopting a continuous monitoring approach as an early warning system under extremely hot and humid weather conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Moohialdin
- QMS and ISO Lead Auditor, Associate Fellow of the HEA, QUT - Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bambang Trigunarsyah
- School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Muhammad Saiful Islam
- Construction Engineering and Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohsin K Siddiqui
- Civil and Environmental Engineering - Construction Engineering and Management, University of Delaware, 342C Dupont Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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Han SR, Wei M, Wu Z, Duan S, Chen X, Yang J, Borg MA, Lin J, Wu C, Xiang J. Perceptions of workplace heat exposure and adaption behaviors among Chinese construction workers in the context of climate change. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2160. [PMID: 34819067 PMCID: PMC8612823 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Workplace heat exposure can cause a series of heat-related illnesses and injuries. Protecting workers especially those undertake work outdoors from the risk of heat strain is a great challenge for many workplaces in China under the context of climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions and adaptation behaviors of heat exposure among construction workers and to provide evidence for the development of targeted heat adaptation strategies nationally and internationally. Methods In 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey via WeChat Survey Star in China, using a purposive snowball sampling approach. A total of 326 construction workers submitted completed questionnaires. The perceptions of workplace heat exposure were measured using seven indicators: concerns over high temperature, perception of high temperature injury, attitudes towards both heat-related training and regulations, adjustment of working habits during heat, heat prevention measures in the workplace, and reduction of work efficiency. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the factors significantly associated with workers’ heat perceptions and behavioral responses. Results 33.3% of the respondents were moderately or very concerned about heat exposure in the workplace. Less than half of the workers (43.8%) were worried about heat-related injuries. Workers who have either experienced work-related injuries (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.62) or witnessed injuries to others during high temperatures (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.27) were more concerned about heat exposure compared to other workers. Most respondents (63.5%) stated that their work efficiency declined during extremely hot weather. The factors significantly associated with a reduction of work efficiency included undertaking physically demanding jobs (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.54) and witnessing other workers’ injuries during high temperatures (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.11–1.43). More than half of the workers were willing to adjust their work habits to adapt to the impact of high temperatures (81.6%). The internet was the most common method to obtain heat prevention information (44.7%), and the most frequently used heat prevention measure was the provision of cool drinking water (64.8%). Conclusions Chinese construction workers lack heat risk awareness and are not well prepared for the likely increasing heat exposure in the workplace due to global warming. Therefore, there is a need to improve their awareness of heat-related injuries, strengthen high temperature related education and training, and update the current heat prevention policies to ensure compliance and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Rong Han
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Mingru Wei
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhifeng Wu
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shanshan Duan
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiangzhe Chen
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiayuan Yang
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Matthew A Borg
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Jinfeng Lin
- Fujian Center for Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases and Chemical Poisoning, No. 107, Hutou Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chuancheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, No.1, North Xuefu Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Jianjun Xiang
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia. .,Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, No.1, North Xuefu Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
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Nunfam VF, Afrifa-Yamoah E. Heat exposure effect on Ghanaian mining workers: A mediated-moderation approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147843. [PMID: 34034185 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The lack of empirical evidence on the effect of heat exposure on the health and safety, productivity, psychological behaviour and social well-being outcomes of small- and large-scale mining workers in Africa has derailed concrete policy directions and interventions. An explanatory cross-sectional survey involving 320 small- and large-scale mining workers was used to assess this research gap. A path analysis was used to model health and safety, productivity, psychological behaviour and social well-being as a function of heat exposure, mediated and moderated by adaptation strategies and barriers, while controlling for age, gender, level of education, years of working experience and workplace environment. Significant direct adverse effects of heat exposure on mining workers' health and safety, productivity and psychological behaviour outcomes were found. Using a pick-a-point approach, significant difference was found in simple slopes (SS) for heat exposure on adaptation strategies at medium level of barriers and a trend toward significance at the high level of barriers. Except for health and safety outcomes, there were significant conditional indirect effects of heat exposure on the performance outcomes at the medium and high levels of barriers to adaptation strategies. However, there was no evidence of mediated-moderation for heat exposure and health and safety, productivity, psychological behaviour and social well-being outcomes. We have provided empirical evidence to establish heat exposure effect on key performance outcomes of mining workers to initiate and guide the formulation of heat exposure management policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Fannam Nunfam
- Centre for Languages and Liberal Studies, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana; School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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Dasari HP, Desamsetti S, Langodan S, Viswanadhapalli Y, Hoteit I. Analysis of Outdoor Thermal Discomfort Over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. GEOHEALTH 2021; 5:e2020GH000370. [PMID: 34141978 PMCID: PMC8182280 DOI: 10.1029/2020gh000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the variability and trends of the outdoor thermal discomfort index (DI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were analyzed over the 39-year period of 1980-2018. The hourly DI was estimated based on air temperature and relative humidity data obtained from the next-generation global reanalysis from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and in-house high-resolution regional reanalysis generated using an assimilative Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model. The DI exceeds 28°C, that is, the threshold for human discomfort, in all summer months (June to September) over most parts of the KSA due to a combination of consistently high temperatures and relative humidity. The DI is greater than 28°C for 8-16 h over the western parts of KSA and north of the central Red Sea. A DI of >28°C persistes for 7-9 h over the Red Sea and western KSA for 90% of summer days. The spatial extent and number of days with DI > 30°C, that is, the threshold for severe human discomfort, are significantly lower than those with DI > 28°C. Long-term trends in the number of days with DI > 28°C indicate a reduced rate of increase or even a decrease over some parts of the southwestern KSA in recent decades (1999-2018). Areas with DI > 30°C, in particular the northwestern regions of the Arabian Gulf and its adjoining regions, also showed improved comfort levels during recent decades. Significant increases in population and urbanization have been reported throughout the KSA during the study period. Analysis of five-years clinical data suggests a positive correlation between higher temperatures and humidity with heat-related deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage. The information provided herein is expected to aid national authorities and policymakers in developing necessary strategies to mitigate the exposure of humans to high levels of thermal discomfort in the KSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Prasad Dasari
- Physical Science and Engineering DivisionKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Srinivas Desamsetti
- Physical Science and Engineering DivisionKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
- National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)NoidaIndia
| | - Sabique Langodan
- Physical Science and Engineering DivisionKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | | | - Ibrahim Hoteit
- Physical Science and Engineering DivisionKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
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Nunfam VF, Adusei-Asante K, Frimpong K, Van Etten EJ, Oosthuizen J. Barriers to occupational heat stress risk adaptation of mining workers in Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2020; 64:1085-1101. [PMID: 32130507 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01882-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing temperature and climate warming impacts are aggravating the vulnerability of workers to occupational heat stress. Adaptation and social protection strategies have become crucial to enhance workers' health, safety, productive capacity and social lives. However, the effective implementation of work-related heat stress adaptation mechanisms appears to be receiving little attention. This study assessed the barriers to occupational heat stress adaptation and social protection strategies of mining workers in Ghana. Based on a mixed methods approach, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used to elicit data from 320 mining workers. Workers' adaptation strategies (water intake, wearing loose and light-coloured clothing, participating in training programmes, taking regular breaks, use of mechanical equipment, use of cooling systems and housing designs) varied significantly across the type of mining activity (p < .001). Workers' social protection measures were adequate. The disparities in workers' social protection measures significantly differed across the type of mining activity (p < .001). Barriers of workers to the implementation of relevant adaptation strategies (inadequate knowledge of coping and adaptive behaviour, lack of regular training on adaptation measures, lack of specific heat-related policy regulations, lack of management commitment and the lack of access to innovative technology and equipment) also differed across the type of mining activity (p < .001). Adaptation policy options and recommendations centred on overcoming the barriers that constrain the adaptive capacity of workers and employers have the potential to reduce workers' vulnerability to occupational heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Fannam Nunfam
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana.
- , Joondalup, Australia.
| | | | - Kwasi Frimpong
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
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Al-Bouwarthan M, Quinn MM, Kriebel D, Wegman DH. Assessment of Heat Stress Exposure among Construction Workers in the Hot Desert Climate of Saudi Arabia. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:505-520. [PMID: 31051037 PMCID: PMC6527521 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Excessive heat exposure poses significant risks to workers in hot climates. This study assessed the intensity and duration of heat stress exposure among workers performing residential construction in southeastern Saudi Arabia (SA) during the summer, June–September 2016. Objectives were to: identify work factors related to heat stress exposure; measure environmental heat exposure at the construction sites; assess the heat stress risk among workers using the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index; and determine if temperature-humidity indices can be appropriate alternatives to WBGT for managing heat stress risk at the construction sites. Methods Worksite walkthrough surveys and environmental monitoring were performed, indoors and outdoors, at 10 construction sites in Al-Ahsa Province. A heat stress exposure assessment was conducted according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) guidelines, which uses the WBGT index. WBGT measurements from two instruments were compared. Alternative heat stress indices were compared to the WBGT: the heat index (HI) and humidex (HD) index. Results Construction workers were exposed to excessive heat stress, indoors and outdoors over a large part of the work day. Complying with a midday outdoor work ban (12–3 p.m.) was not effective in reducing heat stress risk. The highest intensity of exposure was outdoors from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; a period identified with the highest hourly mean WBGT values (31–33°C) and the least allowable working time according to ACGIH® guidelines. Comparison of the alternative indices showed that the HI is more reliable than the HD as a surrogate for the WBGT index in the climate studied. Conclusion The extreme heat exposure represents a serious risk. The severity of heat stress and its impact are projected to increase due to climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement of the current required protective measures and the development of occupational heat stress exposure guidelines in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Bouwarthan
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.,Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Margaret M Quinn
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - David Kriebel
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - David H Wegman
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
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AHMED HO, BINDEKHAIN JA, ALSHUWEIHI MI, YUNIS MA, MATAR NR. Assessment of thermal exposure level among construction workers in UAE using WBGT, HSI and TWL indices. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2020; 58:170-181. [PMID: 31308288 PMCID: PMC7118060 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the heat stress of the construction workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), using Wet Bulb Globe temperature (WBGT) index, whereas also computing Heat stress index (HSI), and Thermal Work Limit (TWL) for comparison. Portable Area Heat Stress Monitor (HS-32) was used for measuring WBGToutdoor, Dry Bulb Temperature, Natural Wet Bulb Temperature, Globe Temperature in°C, and Relative humidity. The outcomes demonstrated that the WBGT exceeded the recommended Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and that workers are at risk of heat stress. According to HSI, only fit acclimatized young workers can tolerate work in this site, and workers should be selected by medical examination. As per TWL, the site was labeled as Acclimatization Zone implying that no un-acclimatized worker should work here and working alone should be avoided. The construction workers lie at a high or medium risk of heat stress. The contribution of the radiant heat load was very high compared with metabolic load and convective load. Furthermore, WBGT, HSI, and TWL are suitable to assess thermal stress in construction environments. Scheduling of the work earlier or later (after sunset) along with breaks for rest on cool shaded areas are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Omer AHMED
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health
Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Meera Ibrahim ALSHUWEIHI
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health
Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Abdikarim YUNIS
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health
Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nour Rashid MATAR
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health
Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Using a Qualitative Phenomenological Approach to Inform the Etiology and Prevention of Occupational Heat-Related Injuries in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030846. [PMID: 32013180 PMCID: PMC7036960 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence has shown an association between exposure to high temperatures and occupational injuries, an issue gaining importance with environmental change. The aim of this study was to better understand contributing risk factors and preventive actions based on personal experiences. Interviews were conducted with 21 workers from five Australian states using a critical phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of participants, whilst exploring contextual factors that surround these experiences. Two case studies are presented: a cerebrovascular injury and injuries among seasonal horticulture workers. Other accounts of heat-related injuries and heat stress are also presented. Risk factors were classified as individual, interpersonal and organizational. In terms of prevention, participants recommended greater awareness of heat risks and peer-support for co-workers. Adding value to current evidence, we have provided new insights into the etiology of the health consequences of workplace heat exposure with workers identifying a range of influencing factors, prevention measures and adaptation strategies. Underpinning the importance of these are future climate change scenarios, suggesting that extended hot seasons will lead to increasing numbers of workers at risk of heat-stress and associated occupational injuries.
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Dong XS, West GH, Holloway‐Beth A, Wang X, Sokas RK. Heat-related deaths among construction workers in the United States. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:1047-1057. [PMID: 31328819 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat is a severe hazard for construction workers and may be worsening with global warming. This study sought to explore heat-related deaths among U.S. construction workers and a possible association with climate change. METHODS Heat-related deaths in the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries from 1992 to 2016 were analyzed. Denominators estimated from the Current Population Survey were matched with demographic and occupational categories in rate calculations. Statistical tests were used to examine heat-related deaths in relation to time, geographic region, and temperature. RESULTS Construction workers, comprising 6% of the total workforce, accounted for 36% (n = 285) of all occupational heat-related deaths from 1992 to 2016 in the U.S. Mean temperatures from June to August increased gradually over the study period. Increasing summer temperatures from 1997 to 2016 were associated with higher heat-related death rates (r = 0.649; 95% confidence interval: 0.290, 0.848). Compared to all construction workers (risk index = 1), statistically significant elevated risk of heat-related death was found among Hispanics (1.21), in particular workers born in Mexico (1.91). Occupations with a high risk index included cement masons (10.80), roofers (6.93), helpers (6.87), brick masons (3.33), construction laborers (1.93) and heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics (1.60). CONCLUSIONS U.S. construction workers are at a high risk of heat-related death, and this risk has increased with climate change over time. Effective workplace interventions, enhanced surveillance, and improved regulations and enforcement should accompany broader efforts to combat global warming. The construction industry can help reduce global warming through increased implementation of green building principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwen Sue Dong
- CPWR ‐ The Center for Construction Research and Training Silver Spring Maryland
| | - Gavin H. West
- CPWR ‐ The Center for Construction Research and Training Silver Spring Maryland
| | - Alfreda Holloway‐Beth
- School of Public HealthEnvironmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago Illinois
- Cook County Department of Public HealthOak Forest Health Center Oak Forest Illinois
| | - Xuanwen Wang
- CPWR ‐ The Center for Construction Research and Training Silver Spring Maryland
| | - Rosemary K. Sokas
- Department of Human ScienceGeorgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies Washington DC
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Kondo Y, Hifumi T, Shimazaki J, Oda Y, Shiraishi SI, Hayashida K, Fukuda T, Wakasugi M, Kanda J, Moriya T, Yagi M, Kawahara T, Tonouchi M, Yokobori S, Yokota H, Miyake Y, Shimizu K. Comparison between the Bouchama and Japanese Association for Acute Medicine Heatstroke Criteria with Regard to the Diagnosis and Prediction of Mortality of Heatstroke Patients: A Multicenter Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183433. [PMID: 31527479 PMCID: PMC6765926 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study aims to compare the Bouchama heatstroke (B-HS) and Japanese Association for Acute Medicine heatstroke (JAAM-HS) criteria with regard to the diagnosis and prediction of mortality and neurological status of heatstroke patients. Methods: This multicenter observational study recruited eligible patients from the emergency departments of 110 major hospitals in Japan from 1 July to 30 September, 2014. Results: A total of 317 patients (median age, 65 years; interquartile range, 39–80 years) were included and divided into the B-HS, JAAM-HS, and non-HS groups, with each group consisting of 97, 302, and 15 patients, respectively. The JAAM-HS (1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87–1.0) and B-HS (0.29; 95% CI, 0.14–0.49) criteria showed high and low sensitivity to mortality, respectively. Similarly, the JAAM-HS (1.0; 95% CI, 0.93–1.0) and B-HS (0.35; 95% CI, 0.23–0.49) criteria showed high and low sensitivity to poor neurological status, respectively. Meanwhile, the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores demonstrated good accuracy in predicting mortality among heat-related illness (HRI) patients. However, both JAAM-HS and B-HS criteria could not predict in-hospital mortality. The AUC of the SOFA score for mortality was 0.83 (day 3) among the HRI patients. The patients’ neurological status was difficult to predict using the JAAM-HS and B-HS criteria. Concurrently, the total bilirubin level could relatively predict the central nervous system function at discharge. Conclusions: The JAAM-HS criteria showed high sensitivity to mortality and could include all HRI patients who died. The JAAM-HS criterion was considered a useful tool for judgement of admission at ED. Further investigations are necessary to determine the accuracy of both B-HS and JAAM-HS criteria in predicting mortality and neurological status at discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Kondo
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba 279-0021, Japan.
| | - Toru Hifumi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan.
| | - Junya Shimazaki
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Yasutaka Oda
- Advanced Medical Emergency and Critical Care Center, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ichiro Shiraishi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Aidu Chuo Hospital, Fukushima 965-8611, Japan.
| | - Kei Hayashida
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Tatsuma Fukuda
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Wakasugi
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama 930-0152, Japan.
| | - Jun Kanda
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8606, Japan.
| | - Takashi Moriya
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan.
| | - Masaharu Yagi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Urasoe General Hospital, Okinawa 901-2132, Japan.
| | | | | | - Shoji Yokobori
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Yokota
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan.
| | - Yasufumi Miyake
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8606, Japan.
| | - Keiki Shimizu
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Centre, Tokyo 183-8524, Japan.
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13
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Nunfam VF, Oosthuizen J, Adusei-Asante K, Van Etten EJ, Frimpong K. Perceptions of climate change and occupational heat stress risks and adaptation strategies of mining workers in Ghana. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:365-378. [PMID: 30550901 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Heavy physical workload for long hours coupled with increasing workplace heat exposure due to rising temperatures stemming from climate change, especially where there are inadequate prevention and control policies, adversely affect workers' health and safety, productive capacity and social well-being. However, variations in workers' concerns and awareness of occupational heat stress and climate change risks impede the effectiveness of heat stress management. A mixed method approach was used to assess climate change perceptions and occupational heat stress risks and adaptation strategies of Ghanaian mining workers. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect data from 320 respondents. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used for data analysis. Workers' climate change risk perception, as confirmed by trends in climate data, was reasonable, but concerns about climate change effects and workplace heat exposure risks varied significantly across types of mining activity (p < 0.001). Workers experienced heat-related morbidities, but the variation in heat-related morbidity experiences across the type of mining activity was not significant. However, the type of heat-related morbidities experienced by workers differed across the type of mining activity (p < 0.001). Workers' awareness of occupational heat stress prevention and control was adequate. The disparities in workers' awareness and use of the prevention and control measures significantly differed across the type of mining activity (p < 0.001). Occupational heat stress prevention activities should focus on workers, and a concerted effort must be made to promote workers' adaptive capacity and inform policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Fannam Nunfam
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Takoradi Technical University, Western Region, Ghana.
| | | | | | | | - Kwasi Frimpong
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Ghana.
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14
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Levi M, Kjellstrom T, Baldasseroni A. Impact of climate change on occupational health and productivity: a systematic literature review focusing on workplace heat. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2018; 109:163-79. [PMID: 29943748 PMCID: PMC7689800 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v109i3.6851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: With climate change, mean annual air temperatures are getting hotter and extreme weather events will become more and more common in most parts of the world. Objectives: As part of the EU funded project HEAT-SHIELD we conducted a systematic review to summarize the epidemiological evidence of the effects of global warming-related heat exposure on workers’ health and productivity. Methods: Three separate searches, focused, respectively, on: i) heat-related illness (HRI), cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases; ii) traumatic injuries; and iii) vector-borne diseases or vectors distribution, were conducted in PubMed. EMBASE was also consulted to retrieve relevant studies focused on the health effects of climate change. A fourth search strategy to assess the effects on work productivity was conducted both in PubMed and in the SCOPUS database. Results: A significant proportion of studies reported findings regarding the Mesoamerican nephropathy issue. This is a disease occurring especially among young and middle-aged male sugarcane workers, without conventional risk factors for chronic kidney disease. For injuries, there is a reversed U-shaped exposure-response relationship between Tmax and overall daily injury claims. Outdoor workers are at increased risk of vector-borne infectious diseases, as a positive correlation between higher air temperatures and current or future expansion of the habitat of vectors is being observed. As for productivity, agriculture and construction are the most studied sectors; a day with temperatures exceeding 32°C can reduce daily labour supply in exposed sectors by up to 14%. Conclusions: The present findings should inform development of further research and related health policies in the EU and beyond with regard to protecting working people from the effects of workplace heat during climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tord Kjellstrom
- Centre for technology research and innovation (CETRI Ltd), Lemesos, Cyprus.
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15
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Exploring Heat Stress Relief Measures among the Australian Labour Force. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15030401. [PMID: 29495396 PMCID: PMC5876946 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Australia experiences frequent heat waves and generally high average temperatures throughout the continent with substantial impacts on human health and the economy. People adapt to heat by adopting various relief measures in their daily lives including changing their behaviour. Many labour intensive outdoor industries implement standards for heat stress management for their workforce. However, little is known about how people cope with heat at their workplaces apart from studies targeting some specific industries where labourers are exposed to extreme heat. Here, we analysed responses from 1719 people in the Australian labour force to self-reported heat stress and associated coping mechanisms. Three quarters of respondents experienced heat stress at their workplace with fatigue and headache being the two most frequently stated symptoms. Almost all of those who were affected by heat would hydrate (88%), 67% would cool, and 44% would rest as a strategy for coping with heat. About 10% intended to change their jobs because of heat stress in the workplace. We found differences in heat relief measures across gender, education, health, level of physical intensity of job, and time spent working outside. People working in jobs that were not very demanding physically were more likely to choose cooling down as a relief measure, while those in labour intensive jobs and jobs that required considerable time outside were more likely to rest. This has potential consequences for their productivity and work schedules. Heat affects work in Australia in many types of industry with impact dependent on workforce acclimatisation, yet public awareness and work relief plans are often limited to outdoor and labour intensive industries. Industries and various levels of government in all sectors need to implement standards for heat management specific to climate zones to help people cope better with high temperatures as well as plan strategies in anticipation of projected temperature increases.
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16
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Acharya P, Boggess B, Zhang K. Assessing Heat Stress and Health among Construction Workers in a Changing Climate: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020247. [PMID: 29389908 PMCID: PMC5858316 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Construction workers are at an elevated risk of heat stress, due to the strenuous nature of the work, high temperature work condition, and a changing climate. An increasing number of workers are at risk, as the industry’s growth has been fueled by high demand and vast numbers of immigrant workers entering into the U.S., the Middle East and Asia to meet the demand. The risk of heat-related illnesses is increased by the fact that little to no regulations are present and/or enforced to protect these workers. This review recognizes the issues by summarizing epidemiological studies both in the U.S. and internationally. These studies have assessed the severity with which construction workers are affected by heat stress, risk factors and co-morbidities associated with heat-related illnesses in the construction industry, vulnerable populations, and efforts in implementing preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payel Acharya
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Bethany Boggess
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Workers Defense Project, Austin, TX 78753, USA.
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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17
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YANG Y, CHAN APC. Heat stress intervention research in construction: gaps and recommendations. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2017; 55:201-209. [PMID: 28111405 PMCID: PMC5462636 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2016-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Developing heat stress interventions for construction workers has received mounting concerns in recent years. However, limited efforts have been exerted to elaborate the rationale, methodology, and practicality of heat stress intervention in the construction industry. This study aims to review previous heat stress intervention research in construction, to identify the major research gaps in methodological issues, and to offer detailed recommendations for future studies. A total of 35 peer-reviewed journal papers have been identified to develop administrative, environmental or personal engineering interventions to safeguard construction workers. It was found that methodological limitations, such as arbitrary sampling methods and unreliable instruments, could be the major obstacle in undertaking heat stress intervention research. To bridge the identified research gaps, this study then refined a research framework for conducting heat stress intervention studies in the construction industry. The proposed research strategy provides researchers and practitioners with fresh insights into expanding multidisciplinary research areas and solving practical problems in the management of heat stress. The proposed research framework may foster the development of heat stress intervention research in construction, which further aids researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in formulating proper intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang YANG
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
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18
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Rameezdeen R, Elmualim A. The Impact of Heat Waves on Occurrence and Severity of Construction Accidents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14010070. [PMID: 28085067 PMCID: PMC5295321 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The impact of heat stress on human health has been extensively studied. Similarly, researchers have investigated the impact of heat stress on workers’ health and safety. However, very little work has been done on the impact of heat stress on occupational accidents and their severity, particularly in South Australian construction. Construction workers are at high risk of injury due to heat stress as they often work outdoors, undertake hard manual work, and are often project based and sub-contracted. Little is known on how heat waves could impact on construction accidents and their severity. In order to provide more evidence for the currently limited number of empirical investigations on the impact of heat stress on accidents, this study analysed 29,438 compensation claims reported during 2002–2013 within the construction industry of South Australia. Claims reported during 29 heat waves in Adelaide were compared with control periods to elicit differences in the number of accidents reported and their severity. The results revealed that worker characteristics, type of work, work environment, and agency of accident mainly govern the severity. It is recommended that the implementation of adequate preventative measures in small-sized companies and civil engineering sites, targeting mainly old age workers could be a priority for Work, Health and Safety (WHS) policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameez Rameezdeen
- School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia.
| | - Abbas Elmualim
- School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia.
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19
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Fass S, Yousef R, Liginlal D, Vyas P. Understanding causes of fall and struck-by incidents: What differentiates construction safety in the Arabian Gulf region? APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2017; 58:515-526. [PMID: 27211607 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Rapid growth in the Arabian Gulf region has fueled an explosive pace of construction and a rise in risks of occupational injury. Scarcity of pertinent data, however, makes it hard to determine whether accident characteristics, causal factors and remedial interventions identified elsewhere apply to the Gulf in comparable ways. This difficulty stems from unusual construction sector characteristics, notably a heterogeneous mix of expatriate laborers and firms working without a common language, work culture or labor practices. Does this change the mix of accident types or the ranking of main causes and priority remedies? To answer this question, a sample of 519 incident records was analyzed to determine whether accident types and frequencies are comparable to elsewhere. Site safety experts were then interviewed to determine whether rankings of factors and interventions should be similar. Findings are that types are indeed comparable, but the rankings of factors and interventions may not be. Main factors have to do with worker skills and training, experience, use of safety gear and risk perception. The overarching safety issue, however, is that firms and governments do not have strong incentive to address these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Fass
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, United States.
| | - Rami Yousef
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, United States.
| | - Divakaran Liginlal
- Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, United States.
| | - Priyanka Vyas
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, United States.
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20
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Zander KK, Moss SA, Garnett ST. Drivers of self-reported heat stress in the Australian labour force. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:272-279. [PMID: 27816864 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress causes reductions in well-being and health. As average annual temperatures increase, heat stress is expected to affect more people. While most research on heat stress has explored how exposure to heat affects functioning of the human organism, stress from heat can be manifest long before clinical symptoms are evident, with profound effects on behavior. Here we add to the little research conducted on these subclinical effects of environmental heat using results from an Australian-wide cross-sectional study of nearly 2000 respondents on their self-reported level of heat stress. Slightly less than half (47%) of the respondents perceived themselves as at least sometimes, often or very often stressed by heat during the previous 12 months. Health status and smoking behavior had the expected impact on self-reported perceived heat stress. There were also regional differences with people living in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales most likely to have reported to have felt heat stressed. People generally worried about climate change, who had been influenced by recent heat waves and who thought there was a relationship between climate change and health were also more likely to have been heat stressed. Surprisingly average maximum temperatures did not significantly explain heat stress but stress was greater among people who perceived the day of the survey as hotter than usual. Currently heat stress indices are largely based on monitoring the environment and physical limitations to people coping with heat. Our results suggest that psychological perceptions of heat need to be considered when predicting how people will be affected by heat under climate change and when developing heat relief and climate change adaptation plans, at work, at home or in public spaces. We further conclude that the perception of temperature and heat stress complements measures that assess heat exposure and heat strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin K Zander
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | - Simon A Moss
- School of Psychological and Clinical Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Stephen T Garnett
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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21
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Workers' perceptions of climate change related extreme heat exposure in South Australia: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:549. [PMID: 27402077 PMCID: PMC4940878 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3241-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational exposure to extreme heat without sufficient protection may not only increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries but also compromise economic productivity. With predictions of more frequent and intense bouts of hot weather, workplace heat exposure is presenting a growing challenge to workers’ health and safety. This study aims to investigate workers’ perceptions and behavioural responses towards extreme heat exposure in a warming climate. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2012 in South Australia among selected outdoor industries. Workers’ heat risk perceptions were measured in the following five aspects: concerns about heat exposure, attitudes towards more training, policy and guideline support, the adjustment of work habits, and degree of satisfaction of current preventive measures. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors significantly associated with workers’ heat perceptions. Results A total of 749 respondents participated in this survey, with a response rate of 50.9 %. A little more than half (51.2 %) of respondents were moderately or very much concerned about workplace heat exposure. Factors associated with workers’ heat concerns included age, undertaking very physically demanding work, and the use of personal protective equipment, heat illness history, and injury experience during hot weather. Less than half (43.4 %) of the respondents had received heat-related training. Workers aged 25–54 years and those with previous heat-related illness/injury history showed more supportive attitudes towards heat-related training. The provision of cool drinking water was the most common heat prevention measure. A little more than half (51.4 %) of respondents were satisfied with the current heat prevention measures. About two-thirds (63.8 %) of respondents agreed that there should be more heat-related regulations and guidelines for working during very hot weather. More than two-thirds (68.8 %) of the respondents were willing to adjust their current work habits to adapt to the likely increasing extreme heat, especially those with previous heat illness experience. Conclusions The findings suggest a need to strengthen workers’ heat risk awareness and refine current heat prevention strategies in a warming climate. Further heat educational programmes and training should focus on those undertaking physically demanding work outdoors, in particular young workers and those over 55 years with low education levels. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3241-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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