Comparing thermal strain in outdoor maintenance and indoor service workers in the mining industry during summer

Sarah M Taggart, Olivier Girard, Grant J Landers, Ullrich K H Ecker and Karen E Wallman

PLOS ONE, 2023, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: While working in the heat is a common practice within the Australian mining industry, it can lead to adverse effects on cognitive function, productivity, and physical health. This study aimed to compare the thermal strain experienced by maintenance workers and service workers in the mining industry during summer. Psycho-physiological parameters, manual dexterity, and cognitive function were assessed in maintenance workers (n = 12) and service workers (n = 12) employed at mine site villages in north-west Australia. Maintenance workers had the freedom to self-select their work intensity and predominantly worked outdoors (33.9±4.2°C, 38±18% RH), whereas service workers had to work to a fixed schedule and worked intermittently indoors (∼64% of work shift; 29.5±3.4°C, 48±8% RH) and outdoors (∼36%; 35.4±4.6°C, 47±21% RH). All workers underwent assessment at the beginning (day 2/3), middle (day 7/8), and end of their swing (day 13/14), at various time points throughout their 11–12 h shift. Service workers completed more steps (11282±1794 vs. 7774±2821; p

Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0292436

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292436

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