Influence of occupational heat stress on labour productivity – a case study from Chennai, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremiah Chinnadurai ◽  
Vidhya Venugopal ◽  
Kumaravel P ◽  
Paramesh R
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – Raise in temperatures due to climate change is likely to increase the heat stress in occupations that are physically exerting and performed outdoors which might potentially have adverse health and productivity consequences. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the productivities in construction work under the influence of heat stress using the predicted mean vote (PMV) index. Design/methodology/approach – Field studies were conducted during May 2014 which is summer time in Chennai. Continuous heart rate of workers and wet bulb globe temperature measurements are conducted for workers engaged in different jobs in construction. Metabolic rates and the workload of the workers from heart rate were calculated using the ISO method 8996 and the PMV values are calculated using the tool developed by Malchaire based on the method ISO 7730. Direct observations and personal interviews were conducted to substantiate the productivity estimations. Findings – The results showed that workers working outdoors with moderate and heavy workload exceeded the threshold limit value of 28°C and had adverse productivity impacts (18-35 per cent productivity loss), whereas the workers engaged in light indoor work was not affected by heat stress and consequent productivity losses. The productivity estimations using the PMV index is found to be statistically significant for three types of construction works (Pearson correlation coefficient value of −0.78) and also correlated well with the observations and self-reported productivities of the workers. Originality/value – The method used in this paper provides a scientific and reliable estimation of the productivities which may benefit the industry to set realistic project completion goals in hot weather and also implement interventions and policies to protect workers’ health. Developing adaptive strategies and implementing control measures are the need of the hour to protect worker’s health and economic losses in the face of climate change.

scholarly journals Heat Stress, Physiological Response, and Heat-Related Symptoms among Thai Sugarcane Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6363
Author(s):  
Pongsit Boonruksa ◽  
Thatkhwan Maturachon ◽  
Pornpimol Kongtip ◽  
Susan Woskie
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Heat Strain ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Muscle Cramp ◽  
Factory Workers ◽  
Limit Values

Prolonged or intense exposure to heat can lead to a range of health effects. This study investigated heat exposure and heat-related symptoms which sugarcane workers (90 sugarcane cutters and 93 factory workers) experienced during a harvesting season in Thailand. During the hottest month of harvesting season, wet bulb globe temperature was collected in the work environment, and workloads observed, to assess heat stress. Urine samples for dehydration test, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature were measured pre- and post-shift to measure heat strain. Fluid intake and heat-related symptoms which subjects had experienced during the harvesting season were gathered via interviews at the end of the season. From the results, sugarcane cutters showed high risk for heat stress and strain, unlike factory workers who had low risk based on the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) for heat stress. Dehydration was observed among sugarcane cutters and significant physiological changes including heart rate, body temperature, and systolic blood pressure occurred across the work shift. Significantly more sugarcane cutters reported experiencing heat-related symptoms including weakness/fatigue, heavy sweating, headache, rash, muscle cramp, dry mouth, dizziness, fever, dry/cracking skin, and swelling, compared to sugarcane factory workers. We conclude that the heat stress experienced by sugarcane cutters working in extremely hot environments, with high workloads, is associated with acute health effects. Preventive and control measures for heat stress are needed to reduce the risk of heat strain.

scholarly journals Regional disparities and seasonal differences in climate risk to rice labour

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 124004
Author(s):  
Charles Simpson ◽  
J Scott Hosking ◽  
Dann Mitchell ◽  
Richard A Betts ◽  
Emily Shuckburgh
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
Surface Air Temperature ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Regional Disparities ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Seasonal Differences ◽  
Near Surface

Abstract The 880 million agricultural workers of the world are especially vulnerable to increasing heat stress due to climate change, affecting the health of individuals and reducing labour productivity. In this study, we focus on rice harvests across Asia and estimate the future impact on labour productivity by considering changes in climate at the time of the annual harvest. During these specific times of the year, heat stress is often high compared to the rest of the year. Examining climate simulations of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6), we identified that labour productivity metrics for the rice harvest, based on local wet-bulb globe temperature, are strongly correlated with global mean near-surface air temperature in the long term (p ≪ 0.01, R 2 > 0.98 in all models). Limiting global warming to 1.5 °C rather than 2.0 °C prevents a clear reduction in labour capacity of 1% across all Asia and 2% across Southeast Asia, affecting the livelihoods of around 100 million people. Due to differences in mechanization between and within countries, we find that rice labour is especially vulnerable in Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and the Indian states of West Bengal and Kerala. Our results highlight the regional disparities and importance in considering seasonal differences in the estimation of the effect of climate change on labour productivity and occupational heat-stress.

Projected economic losses from milk performance detriments under heat stress in Québec dairy herds.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronique Ouellet ◽  
Patrick Grenier ◽  
Debora E. Santschi ◽  
Victor Cabrera ◽  
Liliana Fadul-Pacheco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Reference Period ◽  
Climate Scenarios ◽  
Abatement Strategies ◽  
Milk Performance

The objective of this study was to estimate economic losses associated with milk performance detriments under different climate scenarios. A dataset containing milk records of Holstein and daily temperature-humidity indexes compiled over 6 years in two contrasting climatic dairy regions of Quebec Province [Eastern and Southwestern Quebec] was used to develop equations for modeling milk performance. Milk performance, including milk, fat, protein, and lactose yields of dairy herds (kg j-1), were then projected considering six plausible climate scenarios during a climatic reference period [REF: 1971 to 2000] and two future periods [FUT1: 2020 to 2049; FUT2: 2050 to 2079]. Economic losses were assessed by comparing future to reference milk prices based on components. Results indicated that fat and protein yields could decline in the future, thus resulting in economic losses ranging from 5.34 to 7.07 can$ hL-1 in Eastern Quebec, and from 5.03 to 6.99 can$ hL-1 in Southwestern Quebec, depending on the amplitude of future temperature and humidity changes and on whether it is milk quota or cow number which is adjusted to avoid under-quota production. The projected increase in occurrence and duration of heat stress episodes under climate change could result in substantial financial harm for producers, thereby reinforcing the necessity of implementing heat-abatement strategies on dairy farms.

scholarly journals Performance of a Noninvasive Test for Detecting Mycobacterium bovis Shedding in European Badger (Meles meles) Populations

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 2316-2323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley C. King ◽  
Andrew Murphy ◽  
Phillip James ◽  
Emma Travis ◽  
David Porter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Bovis ◽  
Bovine Tuberculosis ◽  
Meles Meles ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Noninvasive Test ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
European Badger

The incidence ofMycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, in cattle herds in the United Kingdom is increasing, resulting in substantial economic losses. The European badger (Meles meles) is implicated as a wildlife reservoir and is the subject of control measures aimed at reducing the incidence of infection in cattle populations. Understanding the epidemiology ofM. bovisin badger populations is essential for directing control interventions and understanding disease spread; however, accurate diagnosis in live animals is challenging and currently uses invasive methods. Here we present a noninvasive diagnostic procedure and sampling regimen using field sampling of latrines and detection ofM. boviswith quantitative PCR tests, the results of which strongly correlate with the results of immunoassays in the field at the social group level. This method allowsM. bovisinfections in badger populations to be monitored without trapping and provides additional information on the quantities of bacterial DNA shed. Therefore, our approach may provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in badger populations and inform disease control interventions.

Impact of climate change (heat stress) on livestock: adaptation and mitigation strategies for sustainable production

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K Das
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
Formidable Challenge ◽  
Adaptation And Mitigation

It is reported sporadically in different countries of the world including India that climate change has adverse effect on livestock productivity, particularly on milk production and growth which is reflected in meat production indirectly. Climate Change poses formidable challenge to the development of livestock sector in India. The rise in temperature between 2 to 3 °C over the entire country together with increased humidity resulting from climate change is likely to aggravate the heat stress in dairy animals resulting in reduced growth and milk production. Quantification of these potential impacts of climate on livestock production allows producers to gain a better understanding of the magnitude of the changes in production levels and potential indicators of livestock response, on which managemental actions depend. Economic losses resulting from temperature-induced reductions in production may justify adaptation and mitigation of adverse impact of climate change on animal. So in this paper impact of climate change on feed intake, production, reproduction, physiology, disease occurrence in livestock, poultry etc were discussed. Moreover different adaptive and mitigation measures were discussed to reduce adverse negative effect of climate change for sustainable livestock production

scholarly journals Climate Change–Related Heat Stress and Subjective Well-Being in Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin K. Zander ◽  
Simon Moss ◽  
Stephen T. Garnett
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
The Impact

Abstract There is mounting evidence that climate change impacts compromise people’s well-being. Many regions of Australia have experienced record hot temperatures and more frequent and longer heat waves with substantial consequences for people, economies, and ecosystems. Using data from an Australia-wide online survey with 1101 respondents, we investigated the relationship between self-reported measures of heat stress and different dimensions of subjective well-being. After controlling for socioeconomic factors known to affect well-being, we found that heat stress was linked to people’s certainty about and planning for their future but not to their life satisfaction, happiness, social state, capabilities, or purpose in life. This result indicates that, while heat is not associated with present well-being, many people worry about the effect that increased heat will have on their future well-being. People who were uncertain about their future were also more likely than those who did not feel uncertain to think that heat compromised their productivity. People who agreed that they were competent and capable in their activities rated their heat stress–related productivity loss lower than those who disagreed. The findings are relevant for future studies using life-satisfaction approaches to assess consequences of climate change impacts and to studies in “happiness economics.” We recommend that future research on the impact of climate change on well-being go beyond simply life satisfaction and happiness and test multiple dimensions of well-being.

scholarly journals 345Occupational heat stress and economic burden: evidence to support development of workplace heat management policies

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Borg ◽  
Peng Bi ◽  
Jianjun Xiang ◽  
Olga Anikeeva
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Work Efficiency ◽  
Heat Management ◽  
Management Policies

Abstract Background The adverse effects of heat on workers’ health and work productivity are well documented. However, the resultant economic consequences and productivity loss are less understood. This review aims to summarize the retrospective and potential future economic burden of workplace heat exposure in the context of climate change. Methods Literature was searched from database inception to October 2020 using Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. Articles were limited to original human studies investigating costs from occupational heat stress in English. Results Twenty studies met the criteria. Eighteen studies estimated costs from heat-induced labor productivity loss. Predicted global costs from lost worktime, in US$, were 280 billion in 1995, 311 billion in 2010 (≈0.5% of GDP), 2.5 trillion in 2030 (>1% of GDP) and up to 4.0% of GDP by 2100, with additional expenses after considering reduced work efficiency. Three studies estimated heat-related healthcare expenses from occupational injuries with averaged annual costs (US$) exceeding 1 million in Spain, 1 million in Guangzhou, China and 250,000 in Adelaide, Australia. Low- and middle-income countries and countries with warmer climates had greater losses as a proportion of GDP. Greater costs per worker were observed in outdoor industries, amongst males, and workers aged 25 to 44 years. Conclusions The estimated global economic burden of occupational heat stress is substantial. Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies should be implemented to likely minimize future costs. Further research exploring the relationship between occupational heat stress and related expenses from lost productivity, decreased work efficiency and healthcare, and costs stratified by demographic factors, is warranted. Key messages The estimated retrospective and future economic burden from occupational heat stress is large. Responding to climate change is crucial to minimize this burden. Analyzing heat-attributable occupational costs may guide the development of workplace heat management policies and practices as part of global warming strategies.

scholarly journals Real-Time PCR Detection of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium aleophilum

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 3985-3991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Teresa Martín ◽  
Rebeca Cobos ◽  
Laura Martín ◽  
Lorena López-Enríquez
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Dna Purification ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Phaeomoniella Chlamydospora ◽  
Phaeoacremonium Aleophilum ◽  
Detection And Identification

ABSTRACTPhaeomoniella chlamydosporaandPhaeoacremonium aleophilumare the two main fungal causal agents of Petri disease and esca. Both diseases cause significant economic losses to viticulturalists. Since no curative control measures are known, proactive defensive measures must be taken. An important aspect of current research is the development of sensitive and time-saving protocols for the detection and identification of these pathogens. Real-time PCR based on the amplification of specific sequences is now being used for the identification and quantification of many infective agents. The present work reports real-time PCR protocols for identification ofP. chlamydosporaandP. aleophilum. Specificity was demonstrated against purified DNA from 60P. chlamydosporaisolates or 61P. aleophilumisolates, and no amplification was obtained with 54 nontarget DNAs. The limits of detection (i.e., DNA detectable in 95% of reactions) were around 100 fg forP. chlamydosporaand 50 fg forP. aleophilum. Detection was specific and sensitive forP. chlamydosporaandP. aleophilum. Spores ofP. chlamydosporaandP. aleophilumwere detected without the need for DNA purification. The established protocols detected these fungi in wood samples after DNA purification.P. chlamydosporawas detectable without DNA purification and isolation in 67% of reactions. The detection of these pathogens in wood samples has great potential for use in pathogen-free certification schemes.

Projections of global labour productivity under climate change

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole van Maanen ◽  
Shouro Dasgupta ◽  
Simon N. Gosling ◽  
Franziska Piontek ◽  
Christian Otto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
National Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Climate Models ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Model Intercomparison ◽  
Impact Models

<div> <div> <div> <p>Labour productivity declines in hot conditions. The frequency and intensities of extreme heat events is projected to increase substantially with climate change across the world, which causes not only severe impacts on health and well-being but could also lead to adverse impacts on the economy in particular in developing countries. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a commonly used metric that combines temperature and humidity to estimate the occurrence of heat stress in occupational health. Although the links between heat stress and economic effects are well established, there are substantial differences between existing impact models of labour productivity.</p> <p>Here we present results of future changes in labour productivity based on a comprehensive intercomparison of labour productivity models across indoor and outdoor working environments, locations and countries. Under the framework of the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP), we applied projections from multiple bias corrected global climate models to multiple labour productivity impact models and consider different socioeconomic futures. In addition to models used in existing literature, we use a newly developed model based on empirical exposure-response functions estimated from three- hundred surveys (56 million observations) from 89 countries, that allows for projections at the sub-national level. Based on our model intercomparison results, we can provide robust and spatially explicit projections for changes in labour productivity across the globe. At the same time, our approach allows us to assess and compare existing models of labour productivity estimates, therefore covering multiple dimensions of uncertainty.</p> </div> </div> </div>

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