Critical Body Temperature Profile as Indicator of Heat Stress Vulnerability

Nag, Pranab Kumar; Dutta, Priya; Nag, Anjali

doi:10.2486/indhealth.2012-0108

Cited by 26 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Physiological parameters have previously been found to be indicators of productivity loss. For example, Nag et al found that when the core temperature reaches 38°C, if the worker is able to self-pace, s/he will adjust the pace and slow down (5). This translates into an automatic productivity loss.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupational heat stress and associated productivity loss estimation using the PHS model (ISO 7933): a case study from workplaces in Chennai, India

Lundgren

Kuklane

Venugopal

2014

Global Health Action

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BackgroundHeat stress is a major occupational problem in India that can cause adverse health effects and reduce work productivity. This paper explores this problem and its impacts in selected workplaces, including industrial, service, and agricultural sectors in Chennai, India.DesignQuantitative measurements of heat stress, workload estimations, and clothing testing, and qualitative information on health impacts, productivity loss, etc., were collected. Heat strain and associated impacts on labour productivity between the seasons were assessed using the International Standard ISO 7933:2004, which applies the Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) model.Results and conclusionsAll workplaces surveyed had very high heat exposure in the hot season (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature x¯ =29.7), often reaching the international standard safe work values (ISO 7243:1989). Most workers had moderate to high workloads (170–220 W/m2), with some exposed to direct sun. Clothing was found to be problematic, with high insulation values in relation to the heat exposure. Females were found to be more vulnerable because of the extra insulation added from wearing a protective shirt on top of traditional clothing (0.96 clo) while working. When analysing heat strain – in terms of core temperature and dehydration – and associated productivity loss in the PHS model, the parameters showed significant impacts that affected productivity in all workplaces, apart from the laundry facility, especially during the hot season. For example, in the canteen, the core temperature limit of 38°C predicted by the model was reached in only 64 min for women. With the expected increases in temperature due to climate change, additional preventive actions have to be implemented to prevent further productivity losses and adverse health impacts. Overall, this study presented insight into using a thermo-physiological model to estimate productivity loss due to heat exposure in workplaces. This is the first time the PHS model has been used for this purpose. An exploratory approach was taken for further development of the model.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A natural reaction of a working person to heat is to reduce physical activity, which reduces the body’s internal heat production (2–5) . An outcome of this natural preventive mechanism is reduced work capacity, which results in lower productivity (2).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational heat stress and associated productivity loss estimation using the PHS model (ISO 7933): a case study from workplaces in Chennai, India

Lundgren

Kuklane

Venugopal

2014

Global Health Action

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“…A study in Ahmedabad on other occupations showed that workers' perceptions of heat load and reports of heat related disorders were significant and correlate with the physical findings at the workplace. [ 12 ] The same study concluded that occupational groups exposed to direct solar radiation have increased risk of heat injury. In addition, extreme temperatures in Ahmedabad have been documented to have health effects on the general population.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived heat stress and health effects on construction workers

Dutta

Rajiva

Andhare

et al. 2015

Indian J Occup Environ Med

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109

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Introduction:Increasing heat waves-particularly in urban areas where construction is most prevalent, highlight a need for heat exposure assessment of construction workers. This study aims to characterize the effects of heat on construction workers from a site in Gandhinagar.Materials and Methods:This study involved a mixed methods approach consisting of a cross sectional survey with anthropometric measurements (n = 219) and four focus groups with construction workers, as well as environmental measurements of heat stress exposure at a construction site. Survey data was collected in two seasons i.e., summer and winter months, and heat illness and symptoms were compared between the two time periods. Thematic coding of focus group data was used to identify vulnerability factors and coping mechanisms of the workers. Heat stress, recorded using a wet bulb globe temperature monitor, was compared to international safety standards.Results:The survey findings suggest that heat-related symptoms increased in summer; 59% of all reports in summer were positive for symptoms (from Mild to Severe) as compared to 41% in winter. Focus groups revealed four dominant themes: (1) Non-occupational stressors compound work stressors; (2) workers were particularly attuned to the impact of heat on their health; (3) workers were aware of heat-related preventive measures; and (4) few resources were currently available to protect workers from heat stress. Working conditions often exceed international heat stress safety thresholds. Female workers and new employees might be at increased risk of illness or injury.Conclusion:This study suggests significant health impacts on construction workers from heat stress exposure in the workplace, showed that heat stress levels were higher than those prescribed by international standards and highlights the need for revision of work practices, increased protective measures, and possible development of indigenous work safety standards for heat exposure.

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“…This special issue of Industrial Health presents papers on different aspects of occupational heat problems in relation to climate change. The papers present examples from different parts of the world, and highlight methods for heat exposure assessment 11) , standards for occupational heat exposures 12,13) , and the health and productivity risks of workplace heat in relation to climate conditions and climate change 14) . A small scientific conference on "Occupational heat exposure indicators for use in climate change impact assessments" was held in Lund, Sweden, in August 2012, and many of the papers in this collection are based on presentations in Lund.…”

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confidence: 99%

Climate Change and Occupational Heat Problems

Kjellström

Sawada

Bernard³

et al. 2013

Ind Health

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In many parts of the world ongoing climate change during the last three decades has produced higher temperatures and occupational heat stress levels in both outdoor and indoor workplaces 1,2) . Working people are particularly exposed to these heating trends in tropical and sub-tropical countries, where excessive workplace heat exposures linked to the outdoor ambient thermal environment are a traditional part of local life, but heat waves in cooler countries are also affecting workers health and productivity 3) .Outdoor work is avoided by local people during the hottest part of the days in the hot season, as the heat stress from air temperature, humidity and wind, and the additional heat load from solar heat radiation, overwhelms the human physiological capacity to maintain thermal balance 4) . High workplace heat exposure is connected to various clinical effects and also to increased incidence of occupational injuries 5) .The notion that indoor workers are generally sufficiently protected via air conditioning, fans or other cooling systems does not apply to most industrial workplaces in low and middle income countries in hot parts of the world 6,7) . These are the countries where most of the global population lives. Rapid urbanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America adds to the local heat exposures via great amounts of construction work 8) and the Urban Heat Island effect 9) .The lack of technical protection against heat is an important threat to the health and productivity in workplaces. Future climate change will make this situation worse for millions, and maybe even billions, of working people 10) .Daily life non-work activities are also affected by high heat exposures, and for most poor people there is no distinction between work and daily chores. This special issue of Industrial Health presents papers on different aspects of occupational heat problems in relation to climate change. The papers present examples from different parts of the world, and highlight methods for heat exposure assessment 11) , standards for occupational heat exposures 12,13) , and the health and productivity risks of workplace heat in relation to climate conditions and climate change 14) . A small scientific conference on "Occu- Tord KJELLSTROM

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Critical Body Temperature Profile as Indicator of Heat Stress Vulnerability

Cited by 26 publications

References 25 publications

Occupational heat stress and associated productivity loss estimation using the PHS model (ISO 7933): a case study from workplaces in Chennai, India

Occupational heat stress and associated productivity loss estimation using the PHS model (ISO 7933): a case study from workplaces in Chennai, India

Perceived heat stress and health effects on construction workers

Climate Change and Occupational Heat Problems

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