Ergonomics in Practice: Physical Workload and Heat Stress in Thailand

• Autorzy: Yoopat P. , Toicharoen P. , Glinsukon T. , Vanwonterghem K. , Louhevaara V.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

This study consists of assessments of the thermal environment and physiological strain in tasks associated with airport, construction, and metal jobs. The number of male and female participants was 108. Environmental heat stress was evaluated with the WBGT index. Physiological strain was evaluated by the relative cardiovascular load (%CVL) based on the measurements of heart rate. Also the increase of body temperature, weight loss, and perceived discomfort were determinated. At work sites the assessments lasted for 2 to 4 hrs for each participant. The mean physiological strain exceeded the level of 30%CVL. Severe peaks (over 60%CVL) were observed in specific tasks being in agreement with perceived discomfort ratings. The increase of body temperature and weight loss in most cases remained within acceptable limits. For the most strenuous tasks, various ergonomic improvements were developed in consultation with workers and managers.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

ergonomics; heat stress; physiological strain

PL

ciepło; Tajlandia; ergonomia; obciążenie pracą umysłową; stres; praca w wysokiej temperaturze; fizjologia pracy; warunki pracy

• Wydawca: Taylor & Francis
• Czasopismo: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics
• Rocznik: 2002
• Tom: Vol. 8, No. 1
• Strony: 83--93
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 9 poz., tab.

Twórcy

autor

Yoopat P.

• School of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumtani, Thailand

autor

Toicharoen P.

• School of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumtani, Thailand

autor

Glinsukon T.

• School of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumtani, Thailand

autor

Vanwonterghem K.

• CERGO International, Centre for Ergonomics Research, Brussels, Belgium

autor

Louhevaara V.

• Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland

Bibliografia

• 1.Bauman & Haldi. (1992). Heart rate under control. User manual. Fleurier, Switzerland: Author.
• 2.Gogh, K.T. (1990). Sudden unexplained death syndrome among Thai workers in Singapore. Paper presented at the National Epidemiology Seminar, Bangkok, Thailand.
• 3.Hasle, P., Chavalitnitikul, C., & Takala, J. (1985). Survey of working conditions and environment in small-scale enterprises in Thailand. In Proceedings. International Symposium on Ergonomics in Industrially Developing Countries, Jakarta (pp. 464-471). Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office.
• 4.Intaranont, K., & Vanwonterghem, K. (1993). Study of the exposure limits in constraining climatic conditions for strenuous tasks: An ergonomic approach. Unpublished manuscript, European Commission (DGXII RTD), Brussels, Belgium.
• 5.International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (1982). Hot environments - Estimation of the heat stress on man, based on the WBGT-Index (wet bulb globe temperature) (Standard No. ISO 7243). Geneva, Switzerland: Author.
• 6.Manuaba, A., & Vanwonterghem, K. (1997). Improvement of quality of life: Determination of exposure limits for physical strenuous tasks under tropical conditions. Unpublished manuscript, European Commission (DGXII RTD), Brussels, Belgium.
• 7.Vanwonterghem, K., Verboven, J., & Op De Beeck, R. (1985). Subjective assessment of workload. Tijdschrift voor Ergonomie, 10(3), 10-14. (In Dutch).
• 8.Yoopat, P., Glinsukon, T., Toicharoen, P., Boontong, S., & Vanwonterghem, K. (1998). Ergonomic study of strenuous tasks under tropical working conditions. Unpublished manuscript, Social Security Office, Ministry of Labor and Welfare (Nontaburi-Thailand).
• 9.Yoopat, P., Glinsukon, T., Vanwonterghem, K., Louhevaara, V., & Vanoeteren, J. (1999). Heat stress and physical workload. In Proceedings. The First International Workshop on Health and Working Conditions in South East Asia (Commission of the European Union, DGXII-STC. Developing Countries, EU-ERBIC1; pp. 27-109). Pathumtani, Thailand: Rangsit University, Ergonomics Unit.