Heat stress and inadequate sanitary facilities at workplaces – an occupational health concern for women?

摘要: Background : Health concerns unique to women are growing with the large number of venturing into different trades that expose them hot working environments and inadequate sanitation facilities, common in many Indian workplaces. Objective The study was carried out investigate health implications exposures work facilities at their workplaces for workers. Design A cross-sectional conducted 312 workers three occupational sectors 2014–2015. Quantitative data on heat physiological strain indicators such as core body temperature (CBT), sweat rate (SwR), urine specific gravity (USG) were collected. structured questionnaire captured perceptions about impacts stress sanitary workplace. Results Workplace exceeded threshold limit value safe manual 71% (Avg. wet bulb globe temperature=30°C±2.3°C) during period. Eighty-seven percent 200 who had inadequate/no toilets reported experiencing genitourinary problems periodically. Above normal CBT, SwR, USG 10% indicated moderate dehydration corroborated well perceptions. Observed significant associations between high-heat SwR ( t =−2.3879, p =0.0192), toilet self-reported adverse heat-related symptoms χ 2 =4.03, =0.0444), prevalence issues =42.92, =0.0005×10 −7 ) reemphasize is a risk lack major concern Conclusions preliminary evidence suggests due Intervention through strong labor policies gender sensitivity need hour empower women, avert further risks, also enhance productivity few million contribute largely country’s economy. Keywords stress; facilities; To access supplementary material this article, please see Supplementary files under ‘Article Tools’ (Published: 14 September 2016) Citation Glob Action 2016, 9 31945 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/gha.v9.31945