Helder Faria / Getty Images
Working during high temperatures increases the risk of accidentsHelder Faria / Getty ImagesThermal discomfort due to very high or very low temperatures can lead to loss of muscle strength, memory problems, slower reactions, and workplace accidents. Researchers from the State University of Maringá (UEM) and the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) studied 211,396 workplace accidents recorded by the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s Workplace Injury Information System (Sinan-MS) from 2006 to 2019. The majority occurred in Southeast Brazil, especially in the state of São Paulo (36%), on company premises (56.9%), involving men (80.21%), and affecting hands (30.74%), arms (17.83%). and legs (17%). Cross-referencing the data with climate information from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) showed that the most serious accidents—involving head and chest injuries—occurred at temperatures of between 23.3 degrees Celsius (ºC) and 30.7 ºC. Workplace accidents in the North and Northeast are associated with an even higher temperature range, from 30.7 ºC to 38.1 ºC. The researchers recommend taking frequent breaks throughout the workday, especially during heatwaves, defined as more than three days in a row with temperatures above 35 ºC (Safety Science, May).
Republish