Analysis of the Health and Safety Challenges Faced by Construction Workers in Extreme Hot Weather Conditions

Abstract

The increasing number of extremely hot days globally has made outdoor workers more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat syncope, heat exhaustion, heat edema, and heat stress. The objective of this article is to identify and analyze the challenges experienced by construction workers who work in extremely hot weather conditions for extended periods of time. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire was developed and distributed through the online platform QuestionPro. The 100 responses that were collected were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and analyses were performed based on physiological indicators such as heart rate and blood pressure and personal indicators such as climate acclimatization and clothing comfort. The results of the analyses revealed that challenges such as physical fatigue, dehydration, excessive sweating, inability to concentrate, and frequent mood fluctuations were unique to individuals based on their acclimatization level, heart rate, and blood pressure. Optimized work-rest hours, the provision of adequate time for workers to acclimate to extreme conditions, and adoption of technologies such as cooling vests and continuous monitoring of workers’ physical parameters are some of the strategies that can be used to protect workers from heat-related health hazards. The article also briefly discusses the practices and regulations that are currently in effect to protect construction workers who are exposed to prolonged hot weather conditions. The findings presented in this article will help professionals in the construction sector effectively manage and safeguard workers’ health in extreme hot weather conditions.