Heat: Health Effects, Measurement, Standard and Heat Acclimatization

Abstract

Currently changing climate cause extreme hot weather, workplace heat exposure is a significant problem that affect worker’s health and safety. This article aims to describe the health effects of heat exposure, heat measurement, heat standard, and heat acclimatization of workers. Health effects of heat exposure compose of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramp, heat syncope, heat rash, heat edema, and heat tetany. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) has been used as a heat stress indices in Thailand. Heat exposure assessment is considered by WBGT measurement and workload assessment. The workload assessment, which divided into light, moderate, and heavy  with screening and observation methods are sufficient for heat exposure risk assessment of occupational health staffs. Moreover, heat acclimatization program for both new and experienced workers is a measure that can control and protect the effects of heat exposure.