Occupational Heat Exposures and Health Implications – Epidemiological evidence from select India workplaces

Abstract

Background: Health implications of heat exposures have significant ramifications for the large workforce of India. This study profiled occupational heat stress impacts on the health and productivity of workers in select Indian work sectors. There is a need to generate such epidemiological evidence to develop protective adaptation strategies and policies. Methods: In the cross-sectional study, Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures(WBGT) were used to quantify the risk of heat stress and physiological indicators were measured for heat strain. Structured questionnaires assessed workers’ perceived health and productivity impacts from heat stress. Results: In the 1580 workers from 25 Indian workplaces who participated in the study, 86% workers were exposed to higher than recommended WBGT (Average WBGT of 28.7°C±3.1°C). Workers exposed to WBGT above TLV had significant increased odds of adverse health outcomes (OR=2.43, 95% CI 1.88-3.13, p-value=<0.0001) and productivity losses (OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.32-2.4, p-value=0.0002). The above normal sweat rates, urinary specific gravities, change in urine color and rise in Core Body Temperature in the study population indicates moderate dehydration, with potential risks of developing heat-related illnesses. Heavy workload exposure was significantly associated with heat-related health symptoms (X2=23.67, p=0.001) and reduced productivity(X2=15.82, p-value=0.001). Cited reasons for productivity losses were: extended work hours due to fatigue/exhaustion and sickness/hospitalization due to heat. . Conclusion: Reducing workplace heat stress by interventions will not only benefit workers via improving worker health but will benefit the industries by enhancing worker productivity. Adaptation and mitigation measures including policy changes are imperative to tackle heat stress at workplaces in the Climate Change future.