Effects of heat and personal protective equipment on thermal strain in healthcare workers: part B—application of wearable sensors to observe heat strain among healthcare workers under controlled conditions

Wibowo, Razan; Do, Viet; Quartucci, Caroline; Koller, Daniela; Daanen, Hein A. M.; Nowak, Dennis; Bose-O’Reilly, Stephan; Rakete, Stefan

doi:10.1007/s00420-023-02022-2

Cited by 4 publications

References 35 publications

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Beat the heat: wearable-based study of perceived heat stress and physiological strain in swiss track workers in a controlled climate chamber

Vázquez,

Fujs,

Koller

et al. 2024

Physiol. Meas.

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Increasing temperatures pose new challenges for track workers, who endure prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity. New methods are critically needed to assess their performance and heat tolerance, aiming to mitigate workplace accidents and long-term health consequences. This study aimed to investigate the physiological effects of heat exposure on track workers, using wearable sensors to monitor key physiological parameters under controlled environmental conditions. Nineteen track workers participated in the study, which included two experimental sessions simulating different thermal environments: a typical Swiss summer night and a hot summer day. Participants' core body temperature, heart rate (HR), and skin temperature were monitored using wearable sensors, and physiological indexes were computed. In addition, Perceptual Strain Index (PeSI) and Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) response times were recorded. Statistically significant increases in physiological parameters were observed under hotter conditions. The study identified statistically significant correlations between the PeSI and the PSI and between PeSI and HR. Perceptual scores were consistently higher than the values derived from physiological measurements, suggesting a greater subjective experience of heat strain. The PVT response times were higher on the hotter day, reflecting increased cognitive strain due to heat exposure. The study highlights the critical impact of heat stress on track workers, with statistically significant increases in physiological and cognitive strain under higher temperatures. Future research should focus on real-world applications of heat strain monitoring.

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Beat the heat: wearable-based study of perceived heat stress and physiological strain in swiss track workers in a controlled climate chamber

Vázquez,

Fujs,

Koller

et al. 2024

Physiol. Meas.

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Assessment of subjective well-being of healthcare workers in response to heat and personal protective equipment under controlled conditions using a standardized protocol

Quartucci,

Wibowo,

et al. 2024

J Occup Med Toxicol

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Background Due to climate change, the increasing frequency of hot summer days and heat waves can result in occupational heat strain, especially in non-air-conditioned workplaces. Healthcare workers (HCW) engaged in patient care are particularly affected, as they are additionally exposed to physical stress. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can aggravate heat strain in HCW. This study aimed to examine the subjective well-being of HCW when exposed to heat and PPE under controlled conditions. Methods This study was designed as a randomized crossover trial. Participants performed standardized healthcare tasks in a climatic chamber for approximately 3.5 h at different indoor temperatures (22 °C and 27 °C) and varied working conditions (with or without PPE). The effects on participants’ subjective well-being, encompassing thermal, physiological and psychological stress were assessed using a customized questionnaire. Results Heat had a greater effect than PPE on thermal, physical and psychological stress. Conversely, PPE had a greater effect on physical demand and effort. For the majority of outcomes, combined exposure to heat and PPE resulted in the highest perceived discomfort. Furthermore, the participants reported increased sweating and other discomforts when working at elevated temperatures or with PPE. Conclusions In this study, heat and PPE, but particularly the combination of both factors, were identified as unfavorable working environments. Although the trials were conducted in a controlled environment, the outcomes provide valuable information about the effect of heat and PPE on HCW in a real-life setting. Furthermore, the design used in this study can be beneficial in evaluating the effect of mitigation strategies.

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Impact of Summer Heat on Children's Physiological Responses During Football Training

Satow,

Wibowo,

Bose-O'Reilly

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Effects of heat and personal protective equipment on thermal strain in healthcare workers: part B—application of wearable sensors to observe heat strain among healthcare workers under controlled conditions

Cited by 4 publications

References 35 publications

Beat the heat: wearable-based study of perceived heat stress and physiological strain in swiss track workers in a controlled climate chamber

Beat the heat: wearable-based study of perceived heat stress and physiological strain in swiss track workers in a controlled climate chamber

Assessment of subjective well-being of healthcare workers in response to heat and personal protective equipment under controlled conditions using a standardized protocol

Impact of Summer Heat on Children's Physiological Responses During Football Training

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