Developing the principles of determining work pace in the cold environment for people of different ages to reduce thermal discomfort

Project manager: Anna Marszałek Ph.D.

Project summary:

The aim of the task was to develop the principles of working in the cold environment for people of different age to reduce their thermal discomfort. Physiological examinations were carried out for people who work in the cold environment in order to determine the differences in the reactions of the body to workload in controlled conditions in the cold environment depending on the age and gender. The methodology included two kinds of studies: questionnaire and laboratory ones. The analysis of the structure of employment was carried out on the basis of questionnaires that had been sent to enterprises based in Warsaw and which included the number of employees divided by gender and age (under and over 45 years of age). Laboratory tests focused on the physiological reaction of workers in the cold environment. A climatic chamber was used in the tests. The details of the methodology of those tests were established on the basis of an analysis of the literature and consultations with people responsible for occupational safety in enterprises with workstations in the cold environment. Hygienic recommendations were developed on the basis of the tests, as were guidelines on work in the cold environment for people of different ages to reduce thermal discomfort. Those materials also have the form of a handbook for services responsible for occupational safety and health in the cold environment.

Unit: Department of Ergonomics

Duration: 01.01.2010 – 30.12.2010