The impact of perceived heat stress symptoms on work-related tasks and social factors: A cross-sectional survey of Australia's Monsoonal North
Date
2020
Authors
Carter, Sarah
Field, Emma
Oppermann, Elspeth
Brearley, Matt
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Publisher
Pergamon Press Ltd.
Abstract
Heat poses a significant occupational hazard for labour-intensive workers in hot and humid environments.
Therefore, this study measured the prevalence of heat-stress symptoms and impact of heat exposure on labourintensive industries within the Monsoonal North region of Australia. A cohort of 179 workers completed a
questionnaire evaluating environmental exposure, chronic (recurring) and/or severe (synonymous with heat
stroke) symptoms of heat stress, and impact within work and home settings. Workers reported both chronic
(79%) and severe (47%) heat stress symptoms, with increased likelihood of chronic symptoms when exposed to
heat sources (OR 1.5–1.8, p = 0.002–0.023) and decreased likelihood of both chronic and severe symptoms
when exposed to air-conditioning (Chronic: OR 0.5, p = < 0.001, Severe: OR 0.7, p = 0.019). Negative impacts
of heat exposure were reported for both work and home environments (30–60% respectively), highlighting the
need for mitigation strategies to reduce occupational heat stress in the Monsoonal North.
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Source
Applied Ergonomics
Type
Journal article
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Restricted until
2037-12-31
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