Junhyeong Lee1, Yong Ho Lee1, Won-Jun Choi2, Seunghon Ham2, Seong-Kyu Kang2, Jin-Ha Yoon3,4, Min Joo Yoon5, Mo-Yeol Kang6, Wanhyung Lee2. 1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea. 2. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea. 3. The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. 4. Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. 5. Jungbu Area Epidemiologic Investigation Team, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency, Incheon, Republic of Korea. 6. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Several studies on the health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported; however, only few studies have summarized the overall and systematic health effects of heat exposure on workers. This study aims to review the scientific reports on the health status of workers exposed to high temperatures in the workplace. METHODS: We reviewed literature from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies that address health effects of heat exposure among workers. RESULTS: In total, 459 articles were identified, and finally, 47 articles were selected. Various health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported, such as heat-related diseases, deaths, accidents or injuries, effects on the urinary system, reproductive system, and on the psychological system. CONCLUSIONS: Our review suggests that many workers are vulnerable to heat exposure, and this has a health effect on workers.
OBJECTIVES: Several studies on the health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported; however, only few studies have summarized the overall and systematic health effects of heat exposure on workers. This study aims to review the scientific reports on the health status of workers exposed to high temperatures in the workplace. METHODS: We reviewed literature from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies that address health effects of heat exposure among workers. RESULTS: In total, 459 articles were identified, and finally, 47 articles were selected. Various health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported, such as heat-related diseases, deaths, accidents or injuries, effects on the urinary system, reproductive system, and on the psychological system. CONCLUSIONS: Our review suggests that many workers are vulnerable to heat exposure, and this has a health effect on workers.