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Thermal stress and human performance
1National Defence Research Establishment, Karlstad, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Thermal stress in the workplace negatively impacts human performance and behavior. Evaluating this impact is challenging due to varied research methods and stimulus definitions for heat and cold stress.
Area of Science:
- Environmental psychology
- Occupational health
- Human factors engineering
Background:
- Work environments frequently expose individuals to thermal stress.
- Thermal stress can adversely affect human performance and behavior.
- Existing empirical research presents challenges in evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of heat and cold stress on human performance.
- To discuss theoretical considerations related to thermal stress.
- To highlight methodological and definitional complexities in current research.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical research on thermal stress.
- Analysis of studies examining heat stress effects.
- Analysis of studies examining cold stress effects.
Main Results:
- Thermal stress demonstrably impacts human performance and behavior.
- Methodological inconsistencies complicate the synthesis of research findings.
- Variations in defining thermal stimuli hinder direct comparisons across studies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the precise impact of thermal stress requires standardized methodologies.
- Theoretical frameworks are essential for interpreting diverse research outcomes.
- Further research is needed to reconcile conflicting findings and establish clear guidelines.