Worker Perception and Physiological Responses to Heat Stress Prevention and Control Interventions in Construction

Extreme temperatures pose a significant challenge to workers on construction sites, leading to heat stress. While studies have evaluated the effectiveness of heat stress prevention interventions, a gap exists in understanding the alignment/discrepancies between workers’ perceptions and their physiological responses. This study bridges this gap by comparing workers’ perception of key interventions with their measured physiological responses. Eight construction workers were separated into a test group that implemented the interventions and a control group that maintained typical work practices. The participants’ physiological parameters were collected, and their perceptions were evaluated using pre- and post-surveys. Results revealed that participants in the test group experienced lower core body temperatures, heart rates, and exertion levels, but only moderate improvements in the perceived effectiveness of interventions. This study contributes to knowledge by providing evidence on workers’ physiological and behavioral responses, offering insights into how heat stress can be effectively prevented on construction sites.