Which Environmental Indicator Is Better Able to Predict the Effects of Heat Stress on Construction Workers?

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 04014063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Yi ◽  
Albert P. C. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Environmental Indicator

A Field Evaluation of Construction Workers’ Activity, Hydration Status, and Heat Strain in the Extreme Summer Heat of Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 522-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al-Bouwarthan ◽  
Margaret M Quinn ◽  
David Kriebel ◽  
David H Wegman
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Heat Strain ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Summer Heat ◽  
Cardiovascular Strain ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Abstract Objectives Assess the impact of summer heat exposure (June–September) on residential construction workers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia by evaluating (i) heart rate (HR) responses, hydration status, and physical workload among workers in indoor and outdoor construction settings, (ii) factors related to physiological responses to work in hot conditions, and (iii) how well wet-bulb globe temperature-based occupational exposure limits (WBGTOELs) predict measures of heat strain. Methods Twenty-three construction workers (plasterers, tilers, and laborers) contributed 260 person-days of monitoring. Workload energy expenditure, HR, fluid intake, and pre- and postshift urine specific gravity (USG) were measured. Indoor and outdoor heat exposures (WBGT) were measured continuously and a WBGTOEL was calculated. The effects of heat exposure and workload on heart rate reserve (HRR), a measure of cardiovascular strain, were examined with linear mixed models. A metric called ‘heat stress exceedance’ (HSE) was constructed to summarize whether the environmental heat exposure (WBGT) exceeded the heat stress exposure limit (WBGTOEL). The sensitivity and specificity of the HSE as a predictor of cardiovascular strain (HRR ≥30%) were determined. Results The WBGTOEL was exceeded frequently, on 63 person-days indoors (44%) and 91(78%) outdoors. High-risk HRR occurred on 26 and 36 person-days indoors and outdoors, respectively. The HSE metric showed higher sensitivity for HRR ≥30% outdoors (89%) than indoors (58%) and greater specificity indoors (59%) than outdoors (27%). Workload intensity was generally moderate, with light intensity work more common outdoors. The ability to self-pace work was associated with a lower frequency of HRR ≥30%. USG concentrations indicated that workers began and ended their shifts dehydrated (USG ≥1.020). Conclusions Construction work where WBGTOEL is commonly exceeded poses health risks. The ability of workers to self-pace may help reduce risks.

scholarly journals Risk of Kidney Injury among Construction Workers Exposed to Heat Stress: A Longitudinal Study from Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3775
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al-Bouwarthan ◽  
Margaret M. Quinn ◽  
David Kriebel ◽  
David H. Wegman
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Summer Heat ◽  
Adequate Hydration ◽  
The Impact

Saudi Arabia (SA) is one of the hottest countries in the world. This study was conducted to assess the impact of summer heat stress in Southeastern SA on short-term kidney injury (KI) among building construction workers and to identify relevant risk factors. Measurements of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), height, weight, hydration, symptoms, daily work and behavioral factors were collected in June and September of 2016 from a cohort of construction workers (n = 65) in Al-Ahsa Province, SA. KI was defined as ACR ≥ 30 mg/g. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess factors related to cross-summer changes in ACR. A significant increase in ACR occurred among most workers over the study period; incidence of KI was 18%. Risk factors associated with an increased ACR included dehydration, short sleep, and obesity. The findings suggest that exposure to summer heat may lead to the development of KI among construction workers in this region. Adequate hydration and promotion of healthy habits among workers may help reduce the risk of KI. A reduction in work hours may be the most effective intervention because this action can reduce heat exposure and improve sleep quality.

scholarly journals Perceived heat stress and health effects on construction workers

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Dutta ◽  
Ajit Rajiva ◽  
Dileep Andhare ◽  
GulrezShah Azhar ◽  
Abhiyant Tiwari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Stress And Health

A Cooling Vest for Construction Workers

2014 ◽  
Vol 1061-1062 ◽  
pp. 728-732
Author(s):  
Min Wu ◽  
Joe Dong ◽  
Andy Zhao ◽  
Wai Ching Tang ◽  
Willy Sher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Phase Change ◽  
Phase Change Material ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Cooling Garment ◽  
Change Material

Construction workers are vulnerable to heat stress, and a number of heat-related injuries and deaths have been reported. This study thus introduces a phase change material (PCM) based cooling garment designed for construction workers. The PCM cooling garment will be effective in reducing the workers body temperature and can extend their maximum tolerable time on sites.

The development of anti-heat stress clothing for construction workers in hot and humid weather

Ergonomics ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 479-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert P. C. Chan ◽  
Y. P. Guo ◽  
Francis K. W. Wong ◽  
Y. Li ◽  
S. Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Construction Workers

scholarly journals Investigation on heat stress of construction workers in summer in Chongqing, China

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 ◽  
pp. 03005
Author(s):  
Longqian Li ◽  
Hong Liu ◽  
Lu Chen ◽  
Jiaze He
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Physiological Parameters ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Main Research

The heat stress of workers at construction sites in Chongqing, China, was studied in this paper. The investigation included measurement of environmental parameters, measurement of physiological parameters, questionnaire survey and tracking record of their self-regulation of the behaviour. Scaffolder, carpenter, porter, plasterer and handymen were taken as the main research subjects. Five subjects were selected daily to conduct a questionnaire survey and to measure their physiological parameters, 60 construction workers were investigated. The results show that in sizzling summer, the average effective Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGTeff) is 35.8 ° C. Under these circumstances, workers are in a poor working environment based on some Chinese and international standards. During the experiment, the researchers recorded the work behaviour and self-regulation of workers. It is found that the average heart rate of workers with different job is significantly different, and the average metabolic rate of handymen is significantly lower than that of piling rig workers. Different type of workers should be protected by different protection rules to avoid suffering heat injury.

scholarly journals Assessment of Heat Stress Exposure among Construction Workers in the Hot Desert Climate of Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 505-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al-Bouwarthan ◽  
Margaret M Quinn ◽  
David Kriebel ◽  
David H Wegman
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Stress Exposure ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Excessive Heat ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Globe Temperature

Abstract Objectives Excessive heat exposure poses significant risks to workers in hot climates. This study assessed the intensity and duration of heat stress exposure among workers performing residential construction in southeastern Saudi Arabia (SA) during the summer, June–September 2016. Objectives were to: identify work factors related to heat stress exposure; measure environmental heat exposure at the construction sites; assess the heat stress risk among workers using the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index; and determine if temperature-humidity indices can be appropriate alternatives to WBGT for managing heat stress risk at the construction sites. Methods Worksite walkthrough surveys and environmental monitoring were performed, indoors and outdoors, at 10 construction sites in Al-Ahsa Province. A heat stress exposure assessment was conducted according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) guidelines, which uses the WBGT index. WBGT measurements from two instruments were compared. Alternative heat stress indices were compared to the WBGT: the heat index (HI) and humidex (HD) index. Results Construction workers were exposed to excessive heat stress, indoors and outdoors over a large part of the work day. Complying with a midday outdoor work ban (12–3 p.m.) was not effective in reducing heat stress risk. The highest intensity of exposure was outdoors from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; a period identified with the highest hourly mean WBGT values (31–33°C) and the least allowable working time according to ACGIH® guidelines. Comparison of the alternative indices showed that the HI is more reliable than the HD as a surrogate for the WBGT index in the climate studied. Conclusion The extreme heat exposure represents a serious risk. The severity of heat stress and its impact are projected to increase due to climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement of the current required protective measures and the development of occupational heat stress exposure guidelines in SA.

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