Effect of Heat Stress on Body Weight, Blood Pressure, and Urine Specific Gravity among Underground Minirs in PT X 2015

Underground miners are often exposed to thermal stress hazards in the workplace. The closed conditions, heavy workload, and limited ventilation are common causes of high environmental temperatures. Thermal stress can influence the metabolism and physiological function of human body. The objective of this study was to investigate underground mine workers' thermal stress levels and to assess its effect on their physiology (blood pressure, urine specific gravity, body weight, and heart rate). This study was an observational cross-sectional study of a sample of 42 underground miners. The heat stress level in the study location was 147.14 Wm2 and categorized as an unrestricted zone. This study showed that urine specific gravity, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rates among underground miners change after shift work, while no transformation of body weight was observed. In summary, heat stress exposure affects urine specific gravity, blood pressure, and heart rate.