Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Abstract Introduction Heat exposure negatively impacts outdoor workers’ productivity, health and wellbeing. The study aimed to develop a decision matrix including a work zone map incorporating high/medium/low risk areas for heat exposure, workload and heatwave forecasts to guide the scheduling of work activities for local government authorities. Methods This study was conducted in three phases: heat risk mapping of work zones, environmental monitoring, and a mixed methods approach to assess the impact of heat exposure among workers. The mixed methods approach included focus groups/surveys and physiological monitoring of heart rate, skin and ambient temperature. Ethics approval was provided by the University of Adelaide. Results Work zones were mapped as low/medium/high risk for heat exposure and a decision matrix was developed. Workers agreed that working during hot weather negatively impacted productivity and wellbeing. Negative health outcomes included dizziness, exhaustion, and reduced sleep quality. Physiological monito
Rothmore et al. (Mon,) studied this question.