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Using a Qualitative Phenomenological Approach to Inform the Etiology and Prevention of Occupational Heat-Related Injuries in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Alana L Hansen

    (School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

  • Susan Williams

    (School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

  • Scott Hanson-Easey

    (School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

  • Blesson M Varghese

    (School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

  • Peng Bi

    (School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

  • Jane Heyworth

    (School of Population and Public Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia)

  • Monika Nitschke

    (Department for Health and Wellbeing, Government of South Australia, 11 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Shelley Rowett

    (SafeWork SA, Government of South Australia, 33 Richmond Road, Keswick, SA 5035, Australia)

  • Malcolm R Sim

    (Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3009, Australia)

  • Dino L Pisaniello

    (School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence has shown an association between exposure to high temperatures and occupational injuries, an issue gaining importance with environmental change. The aim of this study was to better understand contributing risk factors and preventive actions based on personal experiences. Interviews were conducted with 21 workers from five Australian states using a critical phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of participants, whilst exploring contextual factors that surround these experiences. Two case studies are presented: a cerebrovascular injury and injuries among seasonal horticulture workers. Other accounts of heat-related injuries and heat stress are also presented. Risk factors were classified as individual, interpersonal and organizational. In terms of prevention, participants recommended greater awareness of heat risks and peer-support for co-workers. Adding value to current evidence, we have provided new insights into the etiology of the health consequences of workplace heat exposure with workers identifying a range of influencing factors, prevention measures and adaptation strategies. Underpinning the importance of these are future climate change scenarios, suggesting that extended hot seasons will lead to increasing numbers of workers at risk of heat-stress and associated occupational injuries.

Suggested Citation

  • Alana L Hansen & Susan Williams & Scott Hanson-Easey & Blesson M Varghese & Peng Bi & Jane Heyworth & Monika Nitschke & Shelley Rowett & Malcolm R Sim & Dino L Pisaniello, 2020. "Using a Qualitative Phenomenological Approach to Inform the Etiology and Prevention of Occupational Heat-Related Injuries in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:3:p:846-:d:314170
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alana Hansen & Dino Pisaniello & Blesson Varghese & Shelley Rowett & Scott Hanson-Easey & Peng Bi & Monika Nitschke, 2018. "What Can We Learn about Workplace Heat Stress Management from a Safety Regulator Complaints Database?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-9, March.
    2. Wen Yi & Albert P. C. Chan, 2017. "Effects of Heat Stress on Construction Labor Productivity in Hong Kong: A Case Study of Rebar Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Rameez Rameezdeen & Abbas Elmualim, 2017. "The Impact of Heat Waves on Occurrence and Severity of Construction Accidents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, January.
    4. Alessandro Messeri & Marco Morabito & Michela Bonafede & Marcella Bugani & Miriam Levi & Alberto Baldasseroni & Alessandra Binazzi & Bernardo Gozzini & Simone Orlandini & Lars Nybo & Alessandro Marina, 2019. "Heat Stress Perception among Native and Migrant Workers in Italian Industries—Case Studies from the Construction and Agricultural Sectors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-13, March.
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