Effects of work in cold stores on man.

Area of Science:

• Occupational physiology
• Environmental health
• Workplace safety

Background:

• Cold store environments pose risks of peripheral cooling to workers.
• Previous research indicates potential for heat loss and discomfort in cold work settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physiological effects of cold exposure during different work tasks in cold stores.
• To assess the impact of work type, workload, and clothing on peripheral cooling and thermal perception.

Main Methods:

• A work physiological study was conducted across three distinct cold store occupations: dairy, meat cutting, and meat packaging.
• Measurements included peripheral temperature, workload assessment, and evaluation of clothing insulation and flexibility.
• Subjects reported their perception of temperature changes and discomfort.

Main Results:

• All subjects exhibited peripheral cooling, especially in the fingers and hands.
• Dairy and packaging workers faced inadequate thermal insulation and flexibility from their clothing.
• Butchers experienced less cooling due to a consistent, intense workload and appropriate clothing, despite variations in individual responses.

Conclusions:

• Workload intensity, clothing suitability, and individual variability significantly influence peripheral cooling in cold store environments.
• Improved workwear and task management are crucial for mitigating cold-related physiological stress in these occupations.
• Workers possess a high capacity for perceiving peripheral temperature changes, highlighting the importance of addressing discomfort.