Review article

OUTDOOR WORKERS IN HIGH TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS - MEDICAL VIEW

Mario Stipčević ; Hrvatski zavod za zaštitu zdravlja i sigurnost na radu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Katarina Zahariev ; Hrvatski zavod za zaštitu zdravlja i sigurnost na radu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Tanja Lelas ; Hrvatski zavod za zaštitu zdravlja i sigurnost na radu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Dijana Krišto ; Hrvatski zavod za zaštitu zdravlja i sigurnost na radu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

The paper provides the medical view of the influence of higher temperatures on the human organism during physical labour in the open. It also recommends guidelines which should help protect the health of these workers.
During physical labour the organism generates high amounts of heat. The strain of outer heat causes significant additional strain to the body. In simple terms, the activation of the compensatory mechanisms can be summarized as the preservation of body liquids and the cooling of the organism.
Harmful effects of a hot environment are specific to the particular worker and depend on the working conditions and the environmental factors. The temperature threat to a worker is estimated by the heat index. However, higher priority is always to be given to the worker’s subjective impression of physical strain.
Working in heat causes disorders in the entire body, primarily through dehydration and hyperpyrexia, but it also increases the risk of local skin and muscle disorders. The feeling of comfort and the working capacity are decreased, whereas the risk of work accidents is increased.
Medical disorders caused by heat stress can be prevented by proper behaviour of workers and their employers, whereas negative effects on health can be reduced by timely reactions to initial, mild symptoms. Timely, regular and sufficient replenishment of water, electrolytes and energy is one of the most important procedures. The best means of rehydration are isotonic drinks enriched with carbohydrates. The primary goal is to protect the health of the affected workers but also to maintain the best possible work efficiency.

Keywords

acclimatization to heat; body temperature regulation; compensation of liquid and electrolytes; estimation of the relaxation regime; heat index; heat-related health problems

Hrčak ID:

69822

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/69822

Publication date:

30.6.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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