Working environment factors
How does temperature affect workers’ health?
Apr
Temperature is an important factor in the working environment, and it can affect workers’ health. When the environmental temperature is higher or lower than a comfortable level, the human body has to work harder to maintain a stable body temperature. Working in a hot environment may cause health problems such as exhaustion, fatigue, headaches, dehydration, and heart issues. Conversely, working in a cold environment can also lead to health problems like colds, sore throats, joint pain, and back pain. Therefore, managing temperature is an essential factor in ensuring the health and productivity of workers.
1. What is temperature?
Temperature in the workplace refers to the ambient temperature surrounding workers. It is an important aspect of the work environment and can influence both health and work performance. Temperature in the workplace is measured in units such as Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), workplace temperatures should be maintained between 18–24°C to ensure the best health and work performance for employees. However, the temperature in the workplace also depends on the type of work, workload, humidity, and lighting, so it must be adjusted appropriately for different types of jobs and work environments.
Studies on workplace temperature have shown that temperature has a significant impact on workers’ health and performance. Excessively high or low temperatures can cause health problems such as headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and cardiovascular issues.
High temperatures in the workplace may lead to heat stroke, excessive sweating, reduced immunity, and increased risk of stroke. Conversely, low temperatures can cause blood clotting, numbness, and decreased concentration.
Temperature also affects work performance. Research has shown that excessively high temperatures can reduce worker efficiency by up to 10%, while excessively low temperatures can also decrease productivity.
2. Sources of temperature in the production factory
Temperature inside a production factory can originate from various sources, including:
- Equipment and machinery: Machines and equipment can generate heat during operation, especially high-speed or high-pressure devices.
- Production processes: Some processes produce heat, such as brick firing, steel production, and metal casting.
- Cooling systems: Air conditioning and water cooling systems can also influence the factory temperature.
- Workers: Employees produce heat through their bodies during work activities.
Depending on the product type, scale, and factory design, the internal temperature varies and is controlled through cooling systems and temperature management.
3. Jobs with temperature hazards for workers
Industries with high or low temperature risks include:
- Steel manufacturing, welding, metal casting: These processes require high temperatures and may lead to heat stress and respiratory issues.
- Food industry: Employees in food production factories may face high temperatures from equipment and production processes.
- Beverage production: Workers producing beer and alcohol face high temperatures due to fermentation and production processes.
- Pharmaceutical production: Manufacturing and processing of pharmaceuticals require high-temperature environments, potentially causing heat stress and respiratory issues.
- Electronics manufacturing: Workers assembling electronic components are exposed to high temperatures during soldering and assembly.
- Textile industry: Workers in fiber production face high temperatures from production processes.
- Rubber manufacturing: Rubber processing and production also involve high-temperature conditions.
- Oil and gas industry: Employees work in high-temperature environments and are exposed to oil fumes and toxic gases.
These industries require appropriate health and safety measures to minimize the effects of temperature on workers’ health and performance.
4. How temperature affects workers’ comfort
Temperature significantly affects worker comfort. Extreme heat or cold can cause discomfort and inconvenience, affecting health and work efficiency.
High temperatures cause dehydration and electrolyte loss, leading to fatigue, thirst, and headaches. Prolonged exposure to heat may impair health and increase the risk of workplace accidents.
Low temperatures can lead to colds, frostbite, and reduced sensory perception, lowering work efficiency and increasing the risk of injury.
To improve worker comfort, workplace temperatures should be monitored and controlled to avoid extremes. Protective measures, such as personal protective equipment, stress reduction, comfortable working environments, and proper nutrition, are also essential.
5. Safe temperature levels in the factory
According to QCVN 26:2016/BYT National Technical Regulation on Microclimate – Permissible microclimate values at the workplace:
| Type of work | Air temperature range (°C) |
| Light | 20–34 |
| Medium | 18–32 |
| Heavy | 16–30 |
- Vertical temperature differences at work positions should not exceed 3°C.
- Horizontal temperature differences in the working area should not exceed 4°C for light work, 5°C for medium work, and 6°C for heavy work. Differences between production areas and outdoor temperatures should not exceed 5°C.
6. Occupational diseases caused by prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures
Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures may cause the following occupational diseases:
- Heat stroke: Caused by excessive heat when the body cannot regulate internal temperature, potentially damaging organs and functions.
- Headaches, fatigue, dizziness: Symptoms of high-temperature exposure.
- Back pain: Long periods of standing or sitting in hot conditions can cause back pain.
- Dermatitis: High temperatures may irritate the skin.
- Digestive disorders: High temperatures may increase humidity, causing digestive discomfort.
- Respiratory diseases: Low-temperature workplaces can cause nasal, throat, or lung inflammation.
- Respiratory system issues: High temperatures may lead to asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis.
- Workplace accidents: Extreme temperatures can lead to fainting, imbalance, or functional decline.
These occupational diseases can seriously affect workers’ health and performance, so appropriate health and safety measures are necessary to minimize the impact of temperature on workers.
7. Measures to minimize the effects of temperature on workers’ health
To reduce temperature-related health impacts, the following measures can be implemented:
- Workplace design: Optimize workspace with insulating materials, ventilation, and lighting to reduce temperature effects.
- Temperature adjustment: Maintain suitable temperatures using air conditioning or water cooling systems.
- Protective equipment: Provide cooling clothing, helmets, goggles, etc., to reduce temperature impact.
- Rest breaks: Allow regular breaks to relieve heat-induced stress.
- Work adjustment: Avoid working in extreme temperatures, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Worker training: Train workers to protect their health when working in high or low-temperature environments.
- Periodic workplace environment monitoring to identify and reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases.
These measures help minimize temperature effects on workers’ health and improve productivity.
8. National workplace environment monitoring center
Nam Viet Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring devices to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
Besides monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following the principle “customer-centric,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction and provides optimal solutions.
With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center is recognized as a reliable provider in Ho Chi Minh City with objectives including:
- Prioritizing brand reputation and service quality.
- Providing clients with the best and most suitable services.
- Leveraging a team of experienced Masters and engineers to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Partnering with Nam Viet, your company will receive professional service from experts and enjoy cost advantages.
9. Workplace environment monitoring price list
To help businesses implement professional and effective workplace environment monitoring, Nam Viet provides customers with a detailed price list for workplace environment monitoring services at reasonable costs.
- The price list provides detailed information on monitoring services, including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting costs. Customers can rely on the accuracy and reliability of our reports.
- We guarantee competitive and reasonable prices while offering prompt and professional consultation for all monitoring inquiries.
- With Nam Viet’s price list, customers can easily select services that meet their needs, ensuring the highest satisfaction and professional service quality.
