Working in heat: Contrasting heat management approaches among outdoor employees and contractors

Goodman, James; Humphrys, Elizabeth; Newman, Freya

doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106185

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

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“…These include skin problems such as cuts, irritations, and infections, as well as hearing and musculoskeletal problems [11]. Furthermore, as they work mostly outdoors, these workers are exposed not only to environmental and traffic pollution (such as dust, particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides) but also to extreme temperatures [12] and UV radiation [13]. Occupational solar UV exposure is a significant factor in the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Worker and Pedestrian Exposure to Pollutant Emissions from Sidewalk Cleaning: A Comparative Analysis of Blowing and Jet Washing Techniques

Niculita-Hirzel,

Merli,

Baikie

2024

Air

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Sidewalk cleaning operations are essential to maintaining a clean and safe urban environment. Despite their vital role, these activities, particularly the blowing of road dust, can lead to the resuspension of road dust and associated pollutants, which poses risks to human health and the environment. While the role of blowers on particulate matter resuspension has been investigated, there is limited information on emitted bioaerosols. This study aimed to compare the occupational exposure of operators and passersby during sidewalk cleaning using two manual methods—blowing and jet washing—in two distinct urban environments. The study focused on metal road traffic tracers (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)) and cultivable/non-cultivable microorganisms. We showed that blowing resuspends inhalable particles containing metals (Cu, Zn, and Mn, but not Cd or Pb) and bioaerosols (fungi and Gram-negative bacteria) throughout the year. This represents an important source of exposure for the blower operators and poses a potential long-term respiratory health risk for them. Operators working in cabs are shielded from such exposure, but passersby, especially vulnerable populations, may be at risk. While jet washing reduces operator exposure to Gram-negative bacteria in comparison to blowing, it does not mitigate fungal exposure, particularly in vegetated sites. These findings underscore the necessity for the implementation of effective protective measures and the development of alternative cleaning methods to mitigate exposure risks.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Worker and Pedestrian Exposure to Pollutant Emissions from Sidewalk Cleaning: A Comparative Analysis of Blowing and Jet Washing Techniques

Niculita-Hirzel,

Merli,

Baikie

2024

Air

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Burning gig, rewarding risk: Effects of dual exposure to incentive structure and heat condition on risky driving among on-demand food-delivery motorcyclists in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Hsu

2025

Accident Analysis & Prevention

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Inertia in transformed times: Work health and safety amid climate change

Humphrys

2024

Journal of Industrial Relations

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Climate change will impact work health and safety conditions at an unprecedented scale, and the effects are already being felt. The most significant consequences are for workers labouring in higher temperatures and heatwaves. Other dangers include increased air pollution, vector-borne diseases and solar ultraviolet radiation. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) says climate change and WHS ‘needs to top our list of global priorities’, requiring national planning and action to ensure successful workplace adaptation to limit injuries and deaths. If this is correct, why is so little happening in Australia to plan for these current and emerging issues? This article considers the findings of key ILO and Australian Government reports and initiatives in 2023 and 2024 to assess what action experts argue is needed and how Australia stacks up.

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Working in heat: Contrasting heat management approaches among outdoor employees and contractors

Cited by 3 publications

References 16 publications

Assessing Worker and Pedestrian Exposure to Pollutant Emissions from Sidewalk Cleaning: A Comparative Analysis of Blowing and Jet Washing Techniques

Assessing Worker and Pedestrian Exposure to Pollutant Emissions from Sidewalk Cleaning: A Comparative Analysis of Blowing and Jet Washing Techniques

Burning gig, rewarding risk: Effects of dual exposure to incentive structure and heat condition on risky driving among on-demand food-delivery motorcyclists in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Inertia in transformed times: Work health and safety amid climate change

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