Abstract
ABSTRACTThis study seeks to understand the degree of body cooling, cold perception and physical discomfort during Antarctic tour excursions.Eight experienced expedition leaders across three Antarctic cruise voyages were monitored during occupational tasks: kayaking, snorkelling and zodiac outings. Subjective cold perception and discomfort were recorded using a thermal comfort assessment and skin temperature was recorded using a portable data logger. Indoor cabin temperature and outdoor temperature with wind velocity were used as measures of environmental stress. Physical activity level and clothing insulation were estimated using previous literature.Tour leaders experienced a 6°C (2°C wind chill) environment for an average of 6 hours each day. Leaders involved in kayaking reported feeling colder and more uncomfortable than other leaders, but zodiac leaders showed greater skin temperature cooling. Occupational experience did not predict body cooling or cold stress perception.These findings indicate that occupational cold stress varies by activity and measurement methodology. The current study effectively used objective and subjective measures of cold-stress to identify factors which can contribute to risk in the Antarctic tourism industry. Results suggest that the type of activity may moderate risk of hypothermia, but not discomfort, potentially putting individuals at risk for cognitive related mistakes and cold injuries.
Highlights
Harsh environmental conditions impact health and task performance through psychophysiological, physiological and environmental mechanisms [1]
Occupational experience did not predict body cooling or cold stress perception. These findings indicate that occupational cold stress varies by activity and measurement methodology
Variations in wind speed contributed to differences in average wind chill for each voyage
Summary
Harsh environmental conditions impact health and task performance through psychophysiological, physiological and environmental mechanisms [1]. Cold working conditions have been associated with painful musculoskeletal disorders [4], loss of manual strength and dexterity [5], increased occurrence of slips, trips and falls [6] and a variety of cognitive impairments which increase the risk of an accident [7]. These cognitive impairments can include limited attention, curtailed memory and reasoning ability and impulsiveness; even at moderate levels of stress [8,9]. Risk of cold-related impairment increases with duration and intensity of exposure, highlighting the hazard of performing critical tasks in consistently cold environments [8]
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