The factor affecting heat stress in industrial workers exposed to extreme heat: A case study of methodology

Abstract

Excessive heat during work creates occupational health risks; it restricts a worker's physical functions and capabilities, work capacity and productivity. Temperatures above 24-26 C are associated with reduced labour productivity. Exposure to excessive heat levels can lead to heatstroke, sometimes even with a fatal outcome. The aim of this study is to discuss the methodology in experimental of the factor affecting heat stress in industrial workers exposed to extreme heat. The experiment will be conducted in an environmental chamber which simulates the same environment of the manufacturing industry and another arrangement which simulates the environment of a construction industry. The environmental parameters will be recorded such as the temperature, relative humidity and also the physiological parameters such as the volume oxygen uptake level and the heart rate. The heart rate and the volume of oxygen uptake will be recorded for a 15-minute interval for one shift (2 shift-manufacturing and construction). This study is conducted based on two tasks in two different conditions, outdoor and indoor. It simulates the lifting work at both manufacturing and construction industry. For manufacturing industry, the subjects are demanded to lift boxes (10kg). Meanwhile, for the construction industry, the subjects are demanded to lift a sand bag (10kg). From this study, the optimum values of temperature and humidity can be obtained which can lead to the optimum workers' performance. The increase of performance will ensure the production level at the manufacturing industries at its best and will lead to monetary gain. Besides, this can ensure that a construction project can be delivered at the right time while reducing the cost lost and the accidents at the site.