International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience (IJPAB)
Year : 2016, Volume : 4, Issue : 4
First page : (129) Last page : (133)
Article doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2070
Evaluation of Subjective Heat Strain using A Questionnaire among Transport Workers – A Pilot Study
Archana P Kumar1*, Krishnan. S1, Jeremiah2, Padmavathi. R1 and Vidhya Venugopal2
1Department of Physiology, 2Department of Environment Health Engineering,
Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai, India
*Corresponding Author E-mail: vvidhya@ehe.org.in
Received: 15.07.2016 | Revised: 21.07.2016 | Accepted: 22.07.2016
Abstract
Introduction: Exposure to excessive heat at workplace is commonly encountered with multitude of health and social impacts. Workers experience a wide range of health impacts like heat exhaustion, heat cramps etc resulting in reduced performance and health related illnesses. Because of the inter-individual differences in tolerating heat, it is important to know the view of the workers regarding the heat stress.
Aim: To qualitatively evaluate the transport workers perception using a standardized questionnaire regarding the heat stress and its health impacts.
Materials and Methods: transport workers (n = 12, apparently healthy male drivers) employed in Chennai were interviewed using standardized HOTHAPS questionnaire. Area Heat stress assessments were measured using Quest Temp WBGT monitor.
Results: Heat stress measurements (WBGT) ranged from 28.1 - 32oC during the period of December 2012 in Chennai, South India. Almost 80% of the study participants felt that hot weather affected their performance substantially, 50% gave H/O muscle cramps, excessive sweating & thirst, 8% gave H/O severe heat exhaustion & syncope whereas 40% felt heat stress affected their productivity & income.
Discussion: This study has highlighted the subjective feelings of the workers regarding the social and health impacts of heat stress. Even though only 8% of the study participants gave H/O syncope it is a very crucial finding because of the magnitude of risk involved. Implementation of interventions and health education will be effective if done in conjunction with knowledge of the workers perception regarding their work environment. Qualitative measurement of workers perception is an effective method to evaluate the heat stress along with the environmental measurements.
Key words: Heat stress, Perception, Productivity
Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782
Cite this article: Kumar, A.P., Krishnan, S., Jeremiah, Padmavathi, R. and Vidhya Venugopal, V., Evaluation of Subjective Heat Strain Using A Questionnaire Among Transport Workers – A Pilot Study, Int. J. Pure App. Biosci. 4(4): 129-133 (2016). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2070
