Impact of individual and work factors on the heat-related consequences among power plant workers in a hot region

ABSTRACT

Prolonged exposure to hot environments increases the probability of heat load that may cause occupational heat strain to workers. This study investigates the impact of individual and work-related factors on the heat-related consequences among power plant workers in a hot region. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020. The collecting data tool was a validated self-reported 26 item questionnaire and completed in 534 individuals. We used logistic regression, Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and maximum likelihood evaluations for data analysis. The findings indicated that age, work environment, physical work demands and drinking fluids during work hours are significant with heat exposure perception, heat-related symptoms, and work performance (P-value<0.05). Further, the male workers aged 40-49 are more prone to heat-related symptoms (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.18-2.13). The importance of addressing heat stress in occupational settings is necessary and informing strategies to help workers adapt to heat in hot workplaces.

KEYWORDS:

• Heat stress
• perception
• heat-related symptoms
• work performance

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data supporting study findings are available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.