Provision of an Empirical Model to Estimate the Adaptive Capacity of Workers at Risk of Heat Stress

Abstract

Background: Workers exposed to extreme heat in the workplace may be at risk of various heat related-illnesses. There are different ways to control heat stress in the workplace. Adaptation to heat is a process by which the body can cope with the heat stress and remove the excess heat. Some criteria affect the adaptability parameter. The present study aimed at determining some important criteria for adaptability to heat. Methods: The most important criteria were extracted according to experts’ opinions and by Delphi model, their weights were specified by fuzzy analytic hierarchy Process (FAHP), and a model was introduced for adaptability. The weights of criteria determined by FAHP were used for prioritization. Results: The maximum percentage of responses (100%) with the relative weight of 0.063 was allocated to the criterion of administrative control. Engineering controls (86.6%), providing shaded area and special places for rest (70%), and having access to healthy drinking water (60%) were considered as other effective criteria for adaptability. Having a second job, personal protective plans, training programs and suitable working clothes can also affect adaptation to heat. Conclusions: In conclusion, adaptability will enable the workers to work in hotter environments for longer periods. According to obtained percentages and weights, the introduced model can be used to prioritize the suitable measures for improving the adaptability of workers and controlling the heat stress. Developing a heat stress control program and implementing this policy requires the cooperation of all members, especially employees.