Occupational Heat Stress
We have conducted field studies in different parts of the world showing that manual labour sites are often characterized by high heat and humidity as well as heat stress in the workplace, and that these can reduce manual labour workers productivity by as much as 15%. This is because environmental and metabolic heat gain lead to increased skin temperature which augments thermal perception and cardiovascular strain. In turn, this leads to increased perceived exertion which, eventually, causes reductions in work rate (i.e., self-pacing). We address the negative impacts of workplace heat stress on the health and productivity of manual labour workers by undertaking in-situ analyses and developing adaptation strategies for major industries such as manufacturing, construction, transportation, tourism, and agriculture.
