Changes of WBGT as a heat stress index over the time: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The Dilemma between Reducing the Thermal Stress in the Industrial Spaces and Ergonomics Arrangement in Low- and Middle-income Countries

“…WBGT specifies the maximum heat exposures at specific job intensities. Since the thermal aim of the human body always is to keep the core temperature below 38°C, each worker should take breaks that stipulate the proportion between working and non-working time, which is significantly related to the job intensity and surrounding WBGT [8]. The readings in Table 1 demonstrate the international standards of the WBGT temperatures that each worker should stop working or take a break partially (rest/work ratio) based on their work intensity [7].…”

“…Since the thermal aim of the human body always is to keep the core temperature below 38°C, each worker should take breaks that stipulate the proportion between working and non-working time, which is significantly related to the job intensity and surrounding WBGT [8]. The readings in Table 1 demonstrate the international standards of the WBGT temperatures that each worker should stop working or take a break partially (rest/work ratio) based on their work intensity [7]. For instance, the worker can work without breaks if he conducts very heavy work if the WBGT is lower than 25.5°C, and also, they should work 30 minutes/hour (50% work capacity) if the WBGT exceeds 28°C, and if it exceeds 34°C, they should stop working at all.…”

Exposure to air pollutants and heat stress among resource-poor women entrepreneurs in small-scale cassava processing

“…Nigeria ranks 4th after China, highest annual premature mortality attributed to PM 2.5 stress, the human body thermoregulation system at-211 tempts to enhance heat loss; this response can sustain a strain on the body, which can cause heat illness (Parson 2003). Environmental studies have proved that extreme heat exposure can increase mortality (Afshari and Shirali 2019;Kakaei et al 2019). Heat stress is known to cause a range of symptomatic exhaustion such as heat cramps, heat stroke, poor concentration, fatigue and reduced productivity in terms of loss in production and income (Kjellstrom et al 2009;Parson 2003).…”

“…Apart from increased core body temperature, dehydration and inadequate liquid intake is also a major driver of clinical diseases (chronic kidney diseases). A recent review by Kakaei et al (2019) reveals that research and development on heat stress are rather limited to developed countries, and very little work on this aspect has been done in the developing world, especially in SSA. Hence, an attempt was made to calculate the heat stress index for the garri processors by recording temperature and humidity surrounding the garri processing unit.…”

“…whereas skin temperature is about 32°C (Parson 2003 (Kakaei et al 2019). These symptoms not only result in heart-related disorders and higher risks of work-related accidents but also cause loss of productivity and worker's income (Afshari and Shirali 2019).…”