The impact of perceived heat stress symptoms on work-related tasks and social factors: A cross-sectional survey of Australia's Monsoonal North.

• 影响指数: 3.94
• 发表时间: Jan 2020
• 来源期刊: Appl Ergon
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102918
• PMID: 31473500
• 文章类型: Journal Article
• 中科院分区: Q2
• 作者列表: Carter S,Field E,Oppermann E,Brearley M

关键词: Heat related illness; Northern Australia; Thermoregulation; Workplace health and safety

Mesh: Adult; Air Conditioning; Australia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Heat Stress Disorders / psychology; Heat-Shock Response; Hot Temperature; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases / psychology; Occupational Exposure / adverse effects statistics & numerical data; Occupational Health / statistics & numerical data; Social Factors; Work / psychology; Workplace / psychology

Abstract

Heat poses a significant occupational hazard for labour-intensive workers in hot and humid environments. Therefore, this study measured the prevalence of heat-stress symptoms and impact of heat exposure on labour-intensive industries within the Monsoonal North region of Australia. A cohort of 179 workers completed a questionnaire evaluating environmental exposure, chronic (recurring) and/or severe (synonymous with heat stroke) symptoms of heat stress, and impact within work and home settings. Workers reported both chronic (79%) and severe (47%) heat stress symptoms, with increased likelihood of chronic symptoms when exposed to heat sources (OR 1.5-1.8, p = 0.002-0.023) and decreased likelihood of both chronic and severe symptoms when exposed to air-conditioning (Chronic: OR 0.5, p = <0.001, Severe: OR 0.7, p = 0.019). Negative impacts of heat exposure were reported for both work and home environments (30-60% respectively), highlighting the need for mitigation strategies to reduce occupational heat stress in the Monsoonal North.