Developing and Refining a Knowledge Assessment Instrument for Individuals Involved in Managing Occupational Heat Stress: Paper A

Introduction Occupational heat stress poses a critical threat to workers' health, safety, and productivity. To effectively manage this hazard, occupational health and safety (OHS) representatives must comprehensively understand heat stress, heat‐associated injury and disease outcomes, and heat mitigation measures to protect workers. We developed the Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit‐Occupational Heat Stress Knowledge Assessment Test (HEPRU‐OHSKAT) as an initial step toward facilitating research in this area. Method The HEPRU‐OHSKAT was developed using a mixed‐methods approach. Preliminary items were developed after reviewing the academic and gray literature. A standardized content validity assessment was conducted with heat stress and OHS experts ( n = 9); a trial distribution to refine and test feasibility was performed with an internal pilot group ( n = 18). The instrument was then distributed to individuals involved with OHS ( n = 216) and members of the general working population ( n = 101) in Ontario, Canada ( n = 317). Item analysis and item response theory modelling were used to refine the scale and scope of the instrument. Results Thirty‐two items were developed for the preliminary instrument. Following expert consultation, a review of content validity, and the internal pilot, 31 items were retained in four subscales: General Heat Stress Knowledge ( n = 8), Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stress and First Aid ( n = 7), Exposure Limits and Heat Monitoring Practices ( n = 13), and Workplace Controls for Heat ( n = 3). Following item selection, the broader instrument was reduced to 20 items grouped into one scale. Conclusions The HEPRU‐OHSKAT is the first instrument to assess knowledge of heat stress among those responsible for OHS. The instrument showed good reliability and internal consistency across knowledge categories. Practical Applications The instrument can help OHS representatives better evaluate knowledge of, and manage training about, heat stress.