Abstract
Background Heat stress is a major occupational problem in India that can cause adverse health effects and reduce work productivity. This paper explores this problem and its impacts in selected workplaces, including industrial, service, and agricultural sectors in Chennai, India. Design Quantitative measurements of heat stress, workload estimations, and clothing testing, and qualitative information on health impacts, productivity loss, etc., were collected. Heat strain and associated impacts on labour productivity between the seasons were assessed using the International Standard ISO 7933:2004, which applies the Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) model. Results and conclusions All workplaces surveyed had very high heat exposure in the hot season (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature =29.7), often reaching the international standard safe work values (ISO 7243:1989). Most workers had moderate to high workloads (170–220 W/m2), with some exposed to direct sun. Clothing was found to be problematic, with high insulation values in relation to the heat exposure. Females were found to be more vulnerable because of the extra insulation added from wearing a protective shirt on top of traditional clothing (0.96 clo) while working. When analysing heat strain – in terms of core temperature and dehydration – and associated productivity loss in the PHS model, the parameters showed significant impacts that affected productivity in all workplaces, apart from the laundry facility, especially during the hot season. For example, in the canteen, the core temperature limit of 38°C predicted by the model was reached in only 64 min for women. With the expected increases in temperature due to climate change, additional preventive actions have to be implemented to prevent further productivity losses and adverse health impacts. Overall, this study presented insight into using a thermo-physiological model to estimate productivity loss due to heat exposure in workplaces. This is the first time the PHS model has been used for this purpose. An exploratory approach was taken for further development of the model.
Highlights
Heat stress is a major occupational problem in India that can cause adverse health effects and reduce work productivity
This paper explores the problem of heat stress in selected workplaces, including industrial, service, and agricultural sectors in Chennai, India
The international standard for WBGT uses a formula based on measurements of three temperature variables: Ta, the air temperature measured with a shielded thermometer; Tg, the globe temperature which is the temperature inside a black globe that is strongly affected by heat radiation; and Tnw, the natural wet bulb temperature, which is measured in the actual sun and wind exposure situation, with a wet cloth over the bulb representing the impact of evaporation [14]
Summary
Heat stress is a major occupational problem in India that can cause adverse health effects and reduce work productivity This paper explores this problem and its impacts in selected workplaces, including industrial, service, and agricultural sectors in Chennai, India. Results and conclusions: All workplaces surveyed had very high heat exposure in the hot season (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature x029.7), often reaching the international standard safe work values (ISO 7243:1989). When analysing heat strain Á in terms of core temperature and dehydration Á and associated productivity loss in the PHS model, the parameters showed significant impacts that affected productivity in all workplaces, apart from the laundry facility, especially during the hot season. This study presented insight into using a thermo-physiological model to estimate productivity loss due to heat exposure in workplaces. In the dispatch area, the packed goods are stored and materials are loaded manually into vehicles (Fig. 1)
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