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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions

Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions

Published on: March 9, 2021

Subjective analysis of cold thermal environments.

A Virgílio M Oliveira¹, Adélio R Gaspar², Jorge S André²

¹ADAI, LAETA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Pólo II, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal(1); Coimbra Institute of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rua Pedro Nunes, Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal(2).

Applied Ergonomics

|August 21, 2013

Summary

Workers in cold food distribution units face challenges with protective clothing and thermal environments, leading to health issues. Improvements are needed for these often young, female employees working in Portugal.

Keywords:

Cold thermal environments Questionnaires Subjective assessment

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Area of Science:

Occupational Health
Environmental Science
Food Industry Studies

Background:

Cold thermal environments in industrial settings pose risks to worker well-being.
Subjective assessments are crucial for understanding employee experiences in challenging work conditions.
The food distribution sector in Portugal has specific demographic characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the subjective experience of cold thermal environments in Portuguese food distribution units.
To assess the adequacy of cold protective clothing and identify areas for improvement.
To examine the relationship between cold working conditions and employee health.

Main Methods:

A subjective assessment using an individual questionnaire was employed.
Data was collected from 1575 valid responses across 61 industrial units in Portugal.
Demographic data, perceptions of the thermal environment, clothing adequacy, and health issues were recorded.

Main Results:

The food distribution workforce is predominantly young (63.4% < 35 years) and female (78.1%).
While 52.8% have access to protective clothing, its effectiveness requires enhancement.
Nearly one-third (approx. 33%) perceive the thermal environment as cold, with 79.6% finding it harder in winter; 37.3% reported health problems.

Conclusions:

Cold exposure in food distribution units negatively impacts worker health and comfort.
Existing protective clothing provisions are insufficient, necessitating upgrades.
Addressing thermal stress and improving work conditions is vital for the health of this specific workforce.