Impacts of heat stress on the health of working population during summer season In Hamburg, Germany

Abstract

Background and Aim: Heat is a universal threat, and many incidents have been reported on the effects of extreme temperature on humans. The rising temperature can result in a significant impact on health. The aim of the study is to determine the impacts of heat stress on the health of the working population in Hamburg, Germany. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative approach was used for data collection using three procedures: Literature Review, Structured Questionnaire Survey, Outdoor Air Temperature, and Air Velocity measurements. The survey included questions about the heat stress symptoms and workplace settings; prevention, and intervention taken at the workplace. In addition, outdoor air temperature measurements were taken using Testo 435 and a thermal probe. Results: In total, 82 respondents participated in the survey from various working backgrounds. With the help of the chi-square test, there is a significant association between the two variables p =0.001 with working in high temperature is associated with increased frequency of symptoms. A majority of participants (n=75), 91.4%, worked in high temperature, with 89% (n=74) respondents felt unpleasantly warm while working. The highest air temperature recorded was 39.9℃ with an air velocity of 0.11m/s in Schlump. Whereas the lowest temperature recorded was 21.7℃ with an air velocity of 1.09m/s in Wandsbek Gartenstadt. Conclusion: Based on the cross-sectional quantitative analysis, it can be concluded that working in a high-temperature environment can cause an increased frequency of heat stress symptoms. Furthermore, the subjective feeling of air temperature (self-reported heat stress) can also occur in significance to various factors such as working outdoors, working in high temperature, high humidity, physically demanding job, working more than 6 hours, not drinking enough water. Hence, the results indicate the presence of heat stress impacts on workers’ health in Hamburg.