Physiological and Psychological Effects of Heat Stress on Automotive Manufacture Workers

PT XYZ is an automotive parts manufacturer with a press and welding specialty in which workers are easily exposed to heat stress. This study aimed to analyze the effect of heat stress on workers’ physiology and psychology. Conducted in May–June 2016 using a cross-sectional approach, this study involved 70 workers. Workers’ physiological responses were assessed by measuring their body temperature, heartbeat, and urine specific gravity. Their psychological responses were measured by asking them to complete a questionnaire regarding the heat stress they had experienced. Workers’ wet basal globe temperature (WBGT) and thermal work limit (TWL) were the indexes of heat stress used to perform a risk assessment in the work place. Although the WGBT heat stress index exceeded the threshold value, the TWL resulted in an unrestricted area. Inner body temperature,heartbeat, and urine specific gravity values after shift work were increased, and a psychological response was shown by welding workers; the specific symptoms that emerged were excessive thirst and sweating, heat prickle, muscle cramps, and increased pulse rate, temperature, and urine specific gravity. In conclusion, heat stress exposure from press and welding activities affected workers’ physiology and psychology.