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Effect of a Simulated Heat Wave on Physiological Strain and Labour Productivity

Author

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  • Leonidas G. Ioannou

    (Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
    FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42131 Trikala, Greece)

  • Konstantinos Mantzios

    (FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42131 Trikala, Greece)

  • Lydia Tsoutsoubi

    (FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42131 Trikala, Greece)

  • Zoe Panagiotaki

    (FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42131 Trikala, Greece)

  • Areti K. Kapnia

    (FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42131 Trikala, Greece)

  • Ursa Ciuha

    (Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Lars Nybo

    (Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Andreas D. Flouris

    (FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42131 Trikala, Greece)

  • Igor B. Mekjavic

    (Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a simulated heat-wave on the labour productivity and physiological strain experienced by workers. Methods: Seven males were confined for ten days in controlled ambient conditions. A familiarisation day was followed by three (pre, during, and post-heat-wave) 3-day periods. During each day volunteers participated in a simulated work-shift incorporating two physical activity sessions each followed by a session of assembly line task. Conditions were hot (work: 35.4 °C; rest: 26.3 °C) during, and temperate (work: 25.4 °C; rest: 22.3 °C) pre and post the simulated heat-wave. Physiological, biological, behavioural, and subjective data were collected throughout the study. Results: The simulated heat-wave undermined human capacity for work by increasing the number of mistakes committed, time spent on unplanned breaks, and the physiological strain experienced by the participants. Early adaptations were able to mitigate the observed implications on the second and third days of the heat-wave, as well as impacting positively on the post-heat-wave period. Conclusions: Here, we show for first time that a controlled simulated heat-wave increases workers’ physiological strain and reduces labour productivity on the first day, but it promotes adaptations mitigating the observed implications during the subsequent days.

Suggested Citation

  • Leonidas G. Ioannou & Konstantinos Mantzios & Lydia Tsoutsoubi & Zoe Panagiotaki & Areti K. Kapnia & Ursa Ciuha & Lars Nybo & Andreas D. Flouris & Igor B. Mekjavic, 2021. "Effect of a Simulated Heat Wave on Physiological Strain and Labour Productivity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:3011-:d:517209
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vandentorren, S. & Suzan, F. & Medina, S. & Pascal, M. & Maulpoix, A. & Cohen, J.-C. & Ledrans, M., 2004. "Mortality in 13 French cities during the August 2003 heat wave," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(9), pages 1518-1520.
    2. Anton Orlov & Jana Sillmann & Asbjørn Aaheim & Kristin Aunan & Karianne Bruin, 2019. "Economic Losses of Heat-Induced Reductions in Outdoor Worker Productivity: a Case Study of Europe," Economics of Disasters and Climate Change, Springer, vol. 3(3), pages 191-211, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Leonidas G. Ioannou & Lydia Tsoutsoubi & Konstantinos Mantzios & Giorgos Gkikas & Jacob F. Piil & Petros C. Dinas & Sean R. Notley & Glen P. Kenny & Lars Nybo & Andreas D. Flouris, 2021. "The Impacts of Sun Exposure on Worker Physiology and Cognition: Multi-Country Evidence and Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-26, July.
    2. Margaret C. Morrissey & Zachary Yukio Kerr & Gabrielle J. Brewer & Faton Tishukaj & Douglas J. Casa & Rebecca L. Stearns, 2023. "Analysis of Exertion-Related Injuries and Fatalities in Laborers in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-14, February.
    3. Leonidas G. Ioannou & Konstantinos Mantzios & Lydia Tsoutsoubi & Eleni Nintou & Maria Vliora & Paraskevi Gkiata & Constantinos N. Dallas & Giorgos Gkikas & Gerasimos Agaliotis & Kostas Sfakianakis & A, 2021. "Occupational Heat Stress: Multi-Country Observations and Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-21, June.
    4. Letian Li & Boyang Sun & Zhuqiang Hu & Jun Zhang & Song Gao & Haifeng Bian & Jiansong Wu, 2022. "Heat Strain Evaluation of Power Grid Outdoor Workers Based on a Human Bioheat Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-17, June.

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