Effects of Heat Stress Prevention Training on the Knowledge of Construction Students

Abstract

Construction workers exposed to extreme heat in hot and humid climates are at risk of heat stress and heat-related illnesses. Although several studies have been conducted on heat stress research in the construction industry, only a few have focused on safety training and its effects on improving the knowledge of the construction workforce. This study examines the effects of training on the knowledge of the future construction workforce for heat stress prevention. The training was conducted for the future construction workforce (i.e., undergraduate construction senior students). Pre-tests and post-tests were administered before and after the training to determine the trainees’ knowledge. In addition, self-assessment surveys were administered after the training to evaluate trainees’ perception of knowledge improvement through the training. The questions of the tests and assessment were designed to ascertain the participants’ knowledge of the risk factors, types of heat-related illnesses, and prevention strategies. The results illustrate an overall significant positive impact of training on the participants’ knowledge and ability to protect themselves from heat stress.

Keywords

• construction
• heat-related illness
• heat stress
• knowledge
• prevention
• training