COMBINED EFFECTS OF HEAT STRESS AND SHIFT WORK ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN FOUNDRY WORKERS

Abstract

In order to investigate the combined effects of shift work and heat stress on the physiological parameters, such as heart rate (HR) and body temperature (BT), a hot-dry working environment was investigated for 53 workers in foundry workshops. In this study Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index (WBGT) was measured and along with that simultaneously heart rate and oral temperature were checked in 3 shifts. The results indicated that the physiological responses of workers changed whenever the shift changed and the responses were increased by a corresponding increase in heat stress, index.