Experimental Investigation of Workers Physiology under Tropical Climate in Construction Industries

Abstract

Construction workers are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, for the weather is very hot and humid. The objective of this study is to investigate the interaction between the temperature and relative humidity to the physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR) and volume oxygen uptake (VO2 max) of the workers in the construction industry. The experiment was conducted in an environmental chamber which simulates the environment of the construction industry with three conditions combining air temperature and relative humidity (34 °C/74 %, 34 °C/92 %, 38 °C/83 %). The HR and the VO2 max of three subjects were monitored, and all the data were continuously recorded every 15 minutes. For each condition, the activity levels such as lifting the heavy sand (10 kg) were conducted for subjects. In the VO2 case, a significant correlation was observed between air temperature (p=0.043) and the relative humidity (p=0.000). Meanwhile, in HR case, a significant correlation was also observed between air temperature (p=0.004) and the relative humidity (p=0.028). The high-risk thermal environment (38 °C/83 %) and subject were identified. In conclusion, it can be empirically proved that environmental factor such as temperature and relative humidity have a significant impact on workers’ performance.

Project Managers Selection in the Construction Industry: Towards the Integration with Artificial Emotional Intelligence and Technology

“…EI research is mainly associated with a quantitative methodology epistemologically steered principally by positivistic assumptions [38]. However, literature from previous systematic reviews demonstrates that several researchers have used the combination of two methods combined, qualitative and quantitative approaches, in their cases to accomplish their research objectives [22], [39]. EI and leadership research in the construction industry customarily practices quantitative methodologies, using survey questionnaires to collect data.…”

“…Huopainen [36] EI and Multicultural Project Leadership In Finnish-Chinese MNC Context. Al-Zgool, Mahmoud Radwan [39] The relationship between leaders' EI, organisational commitment, job satisfaction, and turnover intention in the Jordanian hotel industry. Kumar M.S.Nair [37] Relationship Between Leadership Styles, EI, and Organizational Commitment in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.…”

“…The construction industry, one of the most complex project management-based industries, has been the focus of management researchers for many years. Most Western scholars dominate studies on the effects of the work environment on employees [39]. But there still needs to be more awareness about this issue in Malaysia even though there are already enactments that aim to promote a very good working environment.…”

A Review of Heat Stress Impact Towards Construction Workers Productivities and Health Based on Several Heat Stress Model

“…In addition, prolonged exposure to WBGT beyond the safety threshold could also increase the risk of high heart rate and hypertension [42,43]. Physiology factors such as oxygen uptake and heart rate also increased significantly when the level of air temperature and relative humidity increased [44]. Construction workers also start to show Heat Related Symptom after working long hours, such as losing appetite and becoming more impatience [45].…”