Thermal comfort, health, and performance effects among outdoor workers in northern Sweden

To investigate subjective differences in thermal comfort, health, and performance outcomes between different outdoor professions and the sexes. The current study also aimed to explore whether thermal comfort affected health and performance outcomes.

A questionnaire was used to collect data from three different professions: preschool (n = 65), park and maintenance (n = 36), and power grid workers (n = 31). The questionnaire contained items related to background variables (sex, age, body mass index, tobacco use, pre-existing diseases, and clothes provided by the employer), thermal comfort, self-assessed health, and performance outcomes.

The findings show that women, to a greater extent than men, experience cold-related discomfort while working in cold environments. Cold sensitivity was most common among park and maintenance workers (57%) and power grid workers (47%). Raynaud's phenomenon and abnormal cold sensitivity were most common among park and maintenance workers, with a prevalence of 31% and 56%, respectively. Statistically significant differences were also found in all reported performance outcomes (concentration, endurance, mobility, strength, and speed) between the different professions. Associations between cold-related discomfort and an increased reporting of health symptoms and a decrease in performance outcomes were found.

There were differences in perceived thermal comfort, health, and performance outcomes between different outdoor professions and sexes. The associations between cold-related discomfort, cold-related symptoms, and decreased performance indicate a need to implement cold risk management to ensure a safe work environment.