Heat stress in landfill environments: Evaluating worker exposure and occupational risks

Abstract

Heat stress is a notable occupational health hazard, particularly because global climate change intensified environmental heat exposure. Workers in high-temperature environments, such as landfill sites, encounter significant health risks associated with heat stress, including dehydration, excessive sweating, fatigue, headaches, and potentially more severe conditions. This study examined landfill workers in Yogyakarta, where outdoor conditions increased their susceptibility to heat-related hazards. This study aimed to quantify heat stress in landfill operations via objective data analysis, which refers to the quantitative assessment of environmental heat conditions using the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index, with the goal of informing practical interventions and improving worker health and safety protocols. This cross-sectional study, a type of observational research design, examined data collected at specific points in time. This study involved 39 landfill workers, with WBGT measurements collected at 25 sampling locations in the morning, daylight, and afternoon. This study evaluated the risk of heat stress at various times of the day using WBGT values. The results demonstrated notable fluctuations in WBGT, with peak levels occurring in daylight, consequently increasing the risk of heat stress. Age and body weight are significant factors because older individuals and those with increased body mass exhibit heightened susceptibility to heat retention. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in WBGT measurements between morning and daylight and between daylight and afternoon (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the necessity for timely monitoring and management strategies to reduce heat stress risk, especially during daylight hours.