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Naldo R, Boeckman J, Vanos JK, Kavouras SA, Wardenaar FC. Short hydration education video and hiker fluid selection and consumption at trails, a non-randomized quasi-experimental field study. Nutr Health 2023:2601060221150303. [PMID: 36632648 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221150303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Education may improve hiker safety on trails. Aim: To investigate the impact of an educational video on hiker fluid selection and fluid consumption in a hot environment. Methods: Quasi-experimental field study at hiking trails in which the intervention group (INT) viewed a three-minute hydration education video, whereas the control group (CON) did not. Before the hike, all hikers were asked if they wanted to select extra fluid, which was provided by the research team. Results: A total of n = 97 hikers participated in the study, with n = 56 in INT (32 male) and n = 41 in CON (25 male). Despite absolute differences in environmental conditions, the differences fell within the same WBGT category. The total amount of fluid brought to the trails by participants was different between INT: 904 (503-1758) mL and CON: 1509 (880-2176) mL (P = 0.006), but participants in the INT group selected extra fluid (41%; n = 23) significantly more often when compared with participants in the CON group (7%; n = 3; P < 0.001). As a result, there was no difference in the amount of fluid brought on the trail between INT: 1047 (611-1936) mL and CON: 1509 (932-2176) mL (P = 0.069), nor for fluid consumption between INT: 433 (289-615) mL/h and CON: 489 (374-719) mL/h (P = 0.18). Conclusions and Implications: A 3-min educational video may encourage hikers to select additional fluid before the start of their hike but does not appear to increase fluid intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Naldo
- 465849College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Josh Boeckman
- 465849College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jennifer K Vanos
- School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Stavros A Kavouras
- 465849College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Floris C Wardenaar
- 465849College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Rogerson G, Whelan M, Gibson R. A systematic review of measurement methods used to estimate fluid and beverage intake in free-living, working-age adults. J Hum Nutr Diet 2022. [PMID: 36514191 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beverage intake in employees is important to quantify due to the potential of dehydration to increase the risk of errors and reduced work performance. This systematic review aimed to (1) characterise existing fluid intake measurement tools used in the workplace setting or among free-living, healthy adults of working age and (2) report the current validation status of available assessment tools for use in a UK setting. METHODS Three electronic databases were searched for publications measuring beverage intake using a defined tool or method. Additional studies were identified by hand from trial registers, grey literature and reference lists. Eligibility was determined using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using a modified Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology framework. Narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS The review identified 105 studies. The most frequently reported beverage assessment methods were total diet diaries/records (n = 22), fluid specific diaries/records (n = 18), food and fluid frequency questionnaires (n = 17), beverage-specific frequency questionnaires (n = 23) and diet recalls (n = 11). General dietary measurement tools (measuring beverages as part of total diet) were used in 60 studies, and 45 studies used a beverage-specific tool. This review identified 18 distinct dietary assessment tools, of which 6 were fluid/beverage specific. Twelve tools published relative validity for a beverage-related variable and seven tools for total daily fluid intake (from whole diet or from beverages only). CONCLUSIONS Several fluid intake assessment tools were identified; however, few have been fully evaluated for total beverage intake, and none in a UK working population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Rogerson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Megan Whelan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Gibson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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3
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Kidney Function in Factory Workers Exposed to Heat Stress: A 2-Year Follow-up Study. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e685-e689. [PMID: 35959898 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the study are to re-evaluate kidney function in workers exposed and not exposed to heat stress after 2 years and to compare kidney function cross-shift using creatinine and cystatin C. METHODS Participants were workers from a metallurgical industry. The clinical and biochemical markers of hydration and kidney function were evaluated before and after a single shift in work. RESULTS We included 14 workers (6 in the heat group and 8 in the control group). The serum creatinine levels did not change during the follow-up period. Cross-shift, creatinine-based eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) decreased, and cystatin C-based eGFR was maintained in the heat and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Workers exposed to heat stress maintained their kidney function after a 2-year follow-up. Cystatin C is a better kidney function marker than creatinine for cross-shift assessments in this setting.
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Koch M, Matzke I, Huhn S, Gunga HC, Maggioni MA, Munga S, Obor D, Sié A, Boudo V, Bunker A, Dambach P, Bärnighausen T, Barteit S. Wearables for Measuring Health Effects of Climate Change–Induced Weather Extremes: Scoping Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e39532. [PMID: 36083624 PMCID: PMC9508665 DOI: 10.2196/39532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Although climate change is one of the biggest global health threats, individual-level and short-term data on direct exposure and health impacts are still scarce. Wearable electronic devices (wearables) present a potential solution to this research gap. Wearables have become widely accepted in various areas of health research for ecological momentary assessment, and some studies have used wearables in the field of climate change and health. However, these studies vary in study design, demographics, and outcome variables, and existing research has not been mapped.
Objective
In this review, we aimed to map existing research on wearables used to detect direct health impacts and individual exposure during climate change–induced weather extremes, such as heat waves or wildfires.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) framework and systematically searched 6 databases (PubMed [MEDLINE], IEEE Xplore, CINAHL [EBSCOhost], WoS, Scopus, Ovid [MEDLINE], and Google Scholar). The search yielded 1871 results. Abstracts and full texts were screened by 2 reviewers (MK and IM) independently using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria comprised studies published since 2010 that used off-the-shelf wearables that were neither invasive nor obtrusive to the user in the setting of climate change–related weather extremes. Data were charted using a structured form, and the study outcomes were narratively synthesized.
Results
The review included 55,284 study participants using wearables in 53 studies. Most studies were conducted in upper–middle-income and high-income countries (50/53, 94%) in urban environments (25/53, 47%) or in a climatic chamber (19/53, 36%) and assessed the health effects of heat exposure (52/53, 98%). The majority reported adverse health effects of heat exposure on sleep, physical activity, and heart rate. The remaining studies assessed occupational heat stress or compared individual- and area-level heat exposure. In total, 26% (14/53) of studies determined that all examined wearables were valid and reliable for measuring health parameters during heat exposure when compared with standard methods.
Conclusions
Wearables have been used successfully in large-scale research to measure the health implications of climate change–related weather extremes. More research is needed in low-income countries and vulnerable populations with pre-existing conditions. In addition, further research could focus on the health impacts of other climate change–related conditions and the effectiveness of adaptation measures at the individual level to such weather extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Koch
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Matzke
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sophie Huhn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanns-Christian Gunga
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Physiology, Center for Space Medicine and Extreme Environment Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Anna Maggioni
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Physiology, Center for Space Medicine and Extreme Environment Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - David Obor
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ali Sié
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre de Recherche en Santé, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Aditi Bunker
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peter Dambach
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Sandra Barteit
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Golbabaei F, Karami E, Shahy M, Safari Z, Azrah K. Modeling and investigating the effect of parasol installation on solar radiant temperature reduction using COMSOL Multiphysics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:627-641. [PMID: 35400307 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2062928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Occupational activities in open spaces can experience excessive heat exposure caused by sunlight and other artificial sources in these professional environments can be one of the current and future challenges of occupational safety and health due to increasing global warming. Use of lightweight portable parasols is the first available control measure to reduce the radiation emitted by the sun in outdoor workplaces, which has been used for a long time. Methods. Due to the lack of study and results on the effect of using parasols in scientific literature, this modeling study was conducted to investigate the effect of sunshade installation on radiant temperature reduction of the sun in outdoor work using COMSOL Multiphysics version 5.5. Results. In general, six different shapes of portable parasols in different positions were modeled and the average radiant temperature reduction effectiveness (TRE) was about 30% in the presence of different parasols. The designed conical, simple and pyramidal sunshades showed the most effectiveness, respectively. Conclusions. The results show that changing variables such as the axis, installation height and shape is more effective for improving parasol efficiency to reduce the radiant temperature below it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Golbabaei
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Karami
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Majid Shahy
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Zahra Safari
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Kaykāvus Azrah
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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Han SR, Wei M, Wu Z, Duan S, Chen X, Yang J, Borg MA, Lin J, Wu C, Xiang J. Perceptions of workplace heat exposure and adaption behaviors among Chinese construction workers in the context of climate change. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2160. [PMID: 34819067 PMCID: PMC8612823 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Workplace heat exposure can cause a series of heat-related illnesses and injuries. Protecting workers especially those undertake work outdoors from the risk of heat strain is a great challenge for many workplaces in China under the context of climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions and adaptation behaviors of heat exposure among construction workers and to provide evidence for the development of targeted heat adaptation strategies nationally and internationally. Methods In 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey via WeChat Survey Star in China, using a purposive snowball sampling approach. A total of 326 construction workers submitted completed questionnaires. The perceptions of workplace heat exposure were measured using seven indicators: concerns over high temperature, perception of high temperature injury, attitudes towards both heat-related training and regulations, adjustment of working habits during heat, heat prevention measures in the workplace, and reduction of work efficiency. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the factors significantly associated with workers’ heat perceptions and behavioral responses. Results 33.3% of the respondents were moderately or very concerned about heat exposure in the workplace. Less than half of the workers (43.8%) were worried about heat-related injuries. Workers who have either experienced work-related injuries (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.62) or witnessed injuries to others during high temperatures (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.27) were more concerned about heat exposure compared to other workers. Most respondents (63.5%) stated that their work efficiency declined during extremely hot weather. The factors significantly associated with a reduction of work efficiency included undertaking physically demanding jobs (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.54) and witnessing other workers’ injuries during high temperatures (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.11–1.43). More than half of the workers were willing to adjust their work habits to adapt to the impact of high temperatures (81.6%). The internet was the most common method to obtain heat prevention information (44.7%), and the most frequently used heat prevention measure was the provision of cool drinking water (64.8%). Conclusions Chinese construction workers lack heat risk awareness and are not well prepared for the likely increasing heat exposure in the workplace due to global warming. Therefore, there is a need to improve their awareness of heat-related injuries, strengthen high temperature related education and training, and update the current heat prevention policies to ensure compliance and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Rong Han
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Mingru Wei
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhifeng Wu
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shanshan Duan
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiangzhe Chen
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiayuan Yang
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Matthew A Borg
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Jinfeng Lin
- Fujian Center for Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases and Chemical Poisoning, No. 107, Hutou Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chuancheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, No.1, North Xuefu Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Jianjun Xiang
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia. .,Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, No.1, North Xuefu Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
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7
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Applicability of Physiological Monitoring Systems within Occupational Groups: A Systematic Review. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21217249. [PMID: 34770556 PMCID: PMC8587311 DOI: 10.3390/s21217249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of physiological monitoring technologies has produced exceptional opportunities for real-time collection and analysis of workers' physiological information. To benefit from these safety and health prognostic opportunities, research efforts have explored the applicability of these devices to control workers' wellbeing levels during occupational activities. A systematic review is proposed to summarise up-to-date progress in applying physiological monitoring systems for occupational groups. Adhering with the PRISMA Statement, five databases were searched from 2014 to 2021, and 12 keywords were combined, concluding with the selection of 38 articles. Sources of risk of bias were assessed regarding randomisation procedures, selective outcome reporting and generalisability of results. Assessment procedures involving non-invasive methods applied with health and safety-related goals were filtered. Working-age participants from homogeneous occupational groups were selected, with these groups primarily including firefighters and construction workers. Research objectives were mainly directed to assess heat stress and physiological workload demands. Heart rate related variables, thermal responses and motion tracking through accelerometry were the most common approaches. Overall, wearable sensors proved to be valid tools for assessing physiological status in working environments. Future research should focus on conducting sensor fusion assessments, engaging wearables in real-time evaluation methods and giving continuous feedback to workers and practitioners.
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Bauer A, Haufe E, Heinrich L, Seidler A, Schulze HJ, Elsner P, Drexler H, Letzel S, John SM, Fartasch M, Brüning T, Dugas-Breit S, Gina M, Weistenhöfer W, Bachmann K, Bruhn I, Lang BM, Brans R, Allam JP, Grobe W, Westerhausen S, Knuschke P, Wittlich M, Diepgen TL, Schmitt J. Basal cell carcinoma risk and solar UV exposure in occupationally relevant anatomic sites: do histological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype play a role? A population-based case-control study. J Occup Med Toxicol 2020; 15:28. [PMID: 32944060 PMCID: PMC7488106 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-020-00279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A two-fold risk increase to develop basal cell carcinoma was seen in outdoor workers exposed to high solar UV radiation compared to controls. However, there is an ongoing discussion whether histopathological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype may influence the risk estimates. Objectives To evaluate the influence of histological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype on the risk to develop basal cell carcinoma in highly UV-exposed cases and controls compared to those with moderate or low solar UV exposure. Methods Six hundred forty-three participants suffering from incident basal cell carcinoma in commonly sun-exposed anatomic sites (capillitium, face, lip, neck, dorsum of the hands, forearms outside, décolleté) of a population-based, case-control, multicenter study performed from 2013 to 2015 in Germany were matched to controls without skin cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted stratified for histological subtype, phototype 1/2 and 3/4. Dose-response curves adjusted for age, age2, sex, phototype and non-occupational UV exposure were calculated. Results Participants with high versus no (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.24–3.50; p = 0.006) or versus moderate (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.15–3.65; p = 0.015) occupational UV exposure showed a more than two-fold significantly increased risk to develop BCC in commonly UV-exposed body sites. Multivariate regression analysis did not show an influence of phototype or histological subtype on risk estimates. The restriction of the analysis to BCC cases in commonly sun-exposed body sites did not influence the risk estimates. The occupational UV dosage leading to a 2-fold increased basal cell carcinoma risk was 6126 standard erythema doses. Conclusion The risk to develop basal cell carcinoma in highly occupationally UV-exposed skin was doubled consistently, independent of histological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bauer
- Department of Dermatology, University AllergyCentre, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - E Haufe
- Centre of Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - L Heinrich
- Centre of Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - A Seidler
- Institute and Policlinic for Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany.,Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - H J Schulze
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatological Radiotherapy and Dermatohistopathology, Special Clinics Hornheide, Münster, Germany
| | - P Elsner
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - H Drexler
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Letzel
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - S M John
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück and Institute of Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm) at the University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - M Fartasch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Institute of Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - T Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Institute of Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - S Dugas-Breit
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatological Radiotherapy and Dermatohistopathology, Special Clinics Hornheide, Münster, Germany
| | - M Gina
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - W Weistenhöfer
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - K Bachmann
- Department of Clinical Social Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - I Bruhn
- Department of Dermatology, University AllergyCentre, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - B M Lang
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - R Brans
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück and Institute of Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm) at the University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - J P Allam
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - W Grobe
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - S Westerhausen
- Department of Radiation, Institute of Occupational Health and Safety of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - P Knuschke
- Department of Dermatology, Experimental Photobiology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Wittlich
- Department of Radiation, Institute of Occupational Health and Safety of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - T L Diepgen
- Department of Clinical Social Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J Schmitt
- Centre of Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Practical Judgment of Workload Based on Physical Activity, Work Conditions, and Worker's Age in Construction Site. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20133786. [PMID: 32640611 PMCID: PMC7374462 DOI: 10.3390/s20133786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
It is important for construction companies to sustain a productive workforce without sacrificing its health and safety. This study aims to develop a practical judgement method to estimate the workload risk of individual construction workers. Based on studies, we developed a workload model comprising a hygrothermal environment, behavioral information, and the physical characteristics of workers). The construction workers’ heart rate and physical activity were measured using the data collected from a wearable device equipped with a biosensor and an acceleration sensor. This study is the first report to use worker physical activity, age, and the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) to determine a worker’s physical workload. The accuracy of this health risk judgment result was 89.2%, indicating that it is possible to easily judge the health risk of workers even in an environment where it is difficult to measure the subject in advance. The proposed model and its findings can aid in monitoring the health impacts of working conditions during construction activities, and thereby contribute toward determining workers’ health damage. However, the sampled construction workers are 12 workers, further studies in other working conditions are required to accumulate more evidence and assure the accuracy of the models.
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10
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Al-Bouwarthan M, Quinn MM, Kriebel D, Wegman DH. Risk of Kidney Injury among Construction Workers Exposed to Heat Stress: A Longitudinal Study from Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113775. [PMID: 32466510 PMCID: PMC7312975 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Saudi Arabia (SA) is one of the hottest countries in the world. This study was conducted to assess the impact of summer heat stress in Southeastern SA on short-term kidney injury (KI) among building construction workers and to identify relevant risk factors. Measurements of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), height, weight, hydration, symptoms, daily work and behavioral factors were collected in June and September of 2016 from a cohort of construction workers (n = 65) in Al-Ahsa Province, SA. KI was defined as ACR ≥ 30 mg/g. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess factors related to cross-summer changes in ACR. A significant increase in ACR occurred among most workers over the study period; incidence of KI was 18%. Risk factors associated with an increased ACR included dehydration, short sleep, and obesity. The findings suggest that exposure to summer heat may lead to the development of KI among construction workers in this region. Adequate hydration and promotion of healthy habits among workers may help reduce the risk of KI. A reduction in work hours may be the most effective intervention because this action can reduce heat exposure and improve sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Bouwarthan
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 61 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (M.M.Q.); (D.K.); (D.H.W.)
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Margaret M. Quinn
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 61 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (M.M.Q.); (D.K.); (D.H.W.)
| | - David Kriebel
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 61 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (M.M.Q.); (D.K.); (D.H.W.)
| | - David H. Wegman
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 61 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (M.M.Q.); (D.K.); (D.H.W.)
- La Isla Network, P.O. Box 816, Ada, MI 49301, USA
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