Thermal Stress and Its Relationship with Industry: A Systematic Review of The Literature

Abstract

Objective:This study systematically reviews the literature on the impact of environment temperature on industrial workers and the competitive capacity of industrial organizations. Theoretical Framework:Research such as that by Ferrari et al. (2023) and Varghese (2018) indicates that the relationship between heat and occupational health is predominant, influencing productivity and economic costs. Borg et al. (2021) highlight the need to explore the economic impacts of heat in the workplace to develop effective management policies. Hariyani et al. (2022) emphasize the importance of integrating sustainability and technology into organizational strategies to increase competitiveness. Method:Using the PRISMA protocol and the Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases, the research analyzed 329 documents from 31 journals. Results and Discussion:The results indicate that high environment temperatures affect the physical and mental health of workers, reducing productivity. Organizations implement strategic actions and mitigation measures when they perceive competitive advantages. However, industries do not see environment temperature as a direct factor in reducing competitiveness, addressing it as secondary to the economic axis, which creates a knowledge gap. Research Implications:This research allows organizations to create new strategies to mitigate risks that may reduce their competitive capabilities. In addition, it allows for the creation of direct actions for the thermal comfort of workers, due to the central role of human beings in the competitive capacity of industrial organizations. Originality/Value:This work highlights a gap in the scientific literature and in organizational strategies in the search for competitiveness, since the main actors in the manufacturing process, the workers, who are the most affected by exposure to AT, are not seen as elements sensitive to environmental risk .