Heat stress as an occupational health and safety risk: The case of construction sector outdoors

The effect of heat stress on the occupational health and safety of employees has been the subject of researches for the recent years. Several studies show that heat stress negatively affects the occupational health and safety of employees. Undoubtedly, one of the most important problems for those working in outdoor environments with high temperatures is lack of liquid intake. Also high heat and water loss can cause poor performance and health and safety issues such as occupational diseases and accidents. Especially in construction sector in Turkiye and around the world, a significant portion of work accidents and deaths occur every year. The aim of the thesis is identifying the relationship between heat stress and occupational health and safety for outdoor work environments. Also to find answers to "Is heat stress a risk source in terms of occupational health and safety?" besides other research questions. The data is collected through the questionnaire designed within the scope of the thesis will contribute to the reduction of the accidents related to the subject. The effects of climatic conditions on workers' health and safety are greater in the construction sector compared to other open-air work environments. This study was carried out on the basis of the construction sector by revealing the effects of heat stress that develops due to climatic conditions in outdoor construction sites. The effects of climatic conditions on workers are examined with examples on the basis of health and safety, and suggestions made on ways to cope with heat stress at outdoor work environments. Occupational health and safety problems arise when employees cannot reach sufficient fluids. Adequate and balanced fluid intake also has a positive effect on work efficiency. Therefore, appropriate fluid intake can be an important factor in reducing work related accidents and diseases. As a result of the research; we can conclude that there is a significant relationship between workers' exposure to heat stress and occupational health and safety.