Practical Cooling Vest for Reducing Physiological Heat Strain Under a Hot and Humid Environment
1
Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Trang, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Rising temperatures associated with climate change pose increasing health risks to workers. Indoor and outdoor workers in low- and middle-income countries with tropical climates are particularly vulnerable due to high ambient heat exposure, limited workplace protections, and constrained resources. Purpose: This study aimed to identify occupational risk factors for heat-related illnesses, review existing preventive safety measures, and explore workers’ perspectives on heat health hazards and the acceptability of different cooling interventions at a rubber lumber mill in southern Thailand.
METHODS:
We conducted a pilot qualitative descriptive study using multiple data sources, including: (1) direct workplace observations and walk-through inspections; (2) review of existing occupational health and safety policies; and (3) a focus group discussion with workers to explore perceived heat risks, feasibility, and practicality of various cooling interventions.
RESULTS:
Observations revealed high levels of heat exposure and suboptimal building design, including inadequate ventilation systems, poorly positioned windows, and ineffective ventilation slats. No formal plan to mitigate heat exposure was in place, despite consistently high indoor temperatures and workers’ reports of overheating during work. Most participants (n = 10) reported positive experiences with wearing cooling vests, citing comfort and effective heat dissipation. However, a minority (n = 2) found the vests uncomfortable. In contrast, most participants perceived that the disadvantages of using fans and cool cloths outweighed their benefits.
CONCLUSIONS:
Improving factory building design to enhance natural lighting, ventilation, and air circulation is strongly recommended to promote thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Establishing a comprehensive workplace heat stress prevention plan is also essential. Further research is warranted to assess the feasibility, long-term acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of cooling vests as a heat mitigation strategy for industrial workers.
Rising temperatures associated with climate change pose increasing health risks to workers. Indoor and outdoor workers in low- and middle-income countries with tropical climates are particularly vulnerable due to high ambient heat exposure, limited workplace protections, and constrained resources. Purpose: This study aimed to identify occupational risk factors for heat-related illnesses, review existing preventive safety measures, and explore workers’ perspectives on heat health hazards and the acceptability of different cooling interventions at a rubber lumber mill in southern Thailand.
METHODS:
We conducted a pilot qualitative descriptive study using multiple data sources, including: (1) direct workplace observations and walk-through inspections; (2) review of existing occupational health and safety policies; and (3) a focus group discussion with workers to explore perceived heat risks, feasibility, and practicality of various cooling interventions.
RESULTS:
Observations revealed high levels of heat exposure and suboptimal building design, including inadequate ventilation systems, poorly positioned windows, and ineffective ventilation slats. No formal plan to mitigate heat exposure was in place, despite consistently high indoor temperatures and workers’ reports of overheating during work. Most participants (n = 10) reported positive experiences with wearing cooling vests, citing comfort and effective heat dissipation. However, a minority (n = 2) found the vests uncomfortable. In contrast, most participants perceived that the disadvantages of using fans and cool cloths outweighed their benefits.
CONCLUSIONS:
Improving factory building design to enhance natural lighting, ventilation, and air circulation is strongly recommended to promote thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Establishing a comprehensive workplace heat stress prevention plan is also essential. Further research is warranted to assess the feasibility, long-term acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of cooling vests as a heat mitigation strategy for industrial workers.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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