The improvement of working conditions and heat stress for non-regular and older workers

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25460823
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Hygiene and public health
• Research Institution: Osaka International University
• Principal Investigator: Sato Tomoaki 大阪国際大学, 公私立大学の部局等, 教授 (30205942)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): INOUE Tatsuki 龍谷大学, 社会学部, 教授 (20268121) ; TAKANISHI Toshimasa 北九州市立大学, 文学部, 准教授 (90244673) ; EBARA Takeshi 名古屋市立大学, 医学研究科, 講師 (50405156)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 労働安全衛生マネジメント / 高齢労働 / 清掃業務 / 作業改善 / 熱中症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to improve the working conditions and heat stress of non-regular and older clean-up workers. Four female clean-up workers (age, 66.5 ± 2.4 years) participated in this study. We collected data for 2 h of clean-up work in the morning during summer. We evaluated the improvement in working conditions with the reduction in the temperature of the environment, introduction of rest, and reduction of waste movement. The findings showed improvement in work posture, conditions, and efficiency as well as reduction in workload. However, subjective symptoms were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Thus, to improve working conditions, it is necessary to consider the reduction in psychological stress.

Free Research Field

労働衛生