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Estimation of Heat Stress and Maximum Acceptable Work Time Based on Physiological and Environmental Response in Hot-Dry Climate: A Case Study in Traditional Bakers.
- Source :
-
International Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine . Oct2019, Vol. 10 Issue 4, p194-202. 9p. 1 Color Photograph, 3 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Background: Heat stress is common among workers in hot-dry areas. To take preventive strategies for the protection of workers against heat stress, it is important to choose a suitable index that can accurately explain environmental parameters relative to physiological responses. Objective: To evaluate heat stress and maximum acceptable work time (MAWT) based on physiological and environmental response in hot-dry climate among traditional bakers. Methods: The current study was carried out on 30 traditional bakers of 3 different bread baking systems in Ahvaz, Iran. Environmental and physiological parameters were measured simultaneously for a work shift. The work-rest time was also determined based on the relative heart rate (RHR) and the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index. Results: The average WBGT index was estimated to be higher than the standard limit for all baking stations. Despite the higher-than-the-recommended-limit WBGT index, there was no significant relationship between the WBGT index and physiological parameters. The results indicated a significant (p<0.05) difference between the percentages of work-rest time estimated using the WBGT and RHR index. Conclusion: Based on the results of environmental and physiological monitoring of this study as well as the limitations of the use of the WBGT index, it seems that using WBGT as a standard index would not suit heat stress management in hot-dry climates. A revision of this standard to adapt to hot climatic conditions should be in order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *JOB stress prevention
*BLUE collar workers
*BODY temperature
*CLIMATOLOGY
*COOKING
*ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring
*HEART beat
*HEAT
*PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of heat
*CASE studies
*INDUSTRIAL psychology
*RELAXATION for health
*RISK assessment
*STRESS management
*TIME
*WORK environment
*OCCUPATIONAL hazards
*ENVIRONMENTAL exposure
*PSYCHOSOCIAL factors
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20086520
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 139101203
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.15171/ijoem.2019.1582