Effect of environmental temperature on display monitoring performance: an overview with practical implications

The present paper provides an overview of studies which have examined the ability of personnel to monitor displays while exposed to reduced or elevated environmental temperatures. Certain ambiguities, in the results of these investigations, may be attenuated by analysis of operator body temperature change under the prescribed thermal conditions. Skill level (specific to the performer) and precise task composition are identified as potent influences on monitoring efficiency under this environmental stressor. In practical terms, the synthesis suggests that to maintain optimal performance, workers engaged in monitoring type tasks should be protected, where possible, from levels of thermal stress sufficient to induce dynamic, non-compensable body temperature change.