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A web survey to evaluate the thermal stress among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy
Published:
11 January 2021
by MDPI
in The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Environmental Research and Public Health —Public Health Issues in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
session Occupational Safety and Health
Abstract:
COVID 19 is a major planetary emergency and intense workloads and the potential heat stress create critical conditions for healthcare workers. A web survey was carried out in Italy during summer 2020 as part of WORKLIMATE project with the aim of assessing the interaction between Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and heat stress in healthcare workers. Preliminary results on 191 questionnaires show an increase of heat stress perception in the areas covered by PPE determining symptoms such as thirst, sweating and general distress. This information could be useful to allow preventive measure to safeguard health and productivity of these workers.
Keywords: occupational health and safety, adaptation strategy, PPE, heat waves, global warming