Occupational heat in semi-mechanized coffee harvesting

Successive exposure of workers to occupational heat can lead to exhaustion, dehydra-tion, cramps, heat edema and thermal shock. Therefore, checking the heat levels workers are exposed to becomes necessary to implement preventive measures. This study aimed to evaluate occupational heat in semi-mechanized coffee harvesting. Two locations were assessed: Três Pontas – MG and Rio Bananal – ES. Data were obtained through WBGT and the values were compared with the action levels (NR 9) and occupational exposure limits (NR15) for acclimatized workers. The results showed that in April, May, July and August, the studied cities recorded the highest WBGT (°C) values from 1.00 pm to 1.59 pm and, in June, from 2.00 pm to 2.59 pm. In relation to the minimum WBGT (°C), Três Pontas had the lowest values from 9.00 to 9.59 for the studied period and Rio Bananal, from 10.00 to 10.59 for April, from 09.00 to 09.59 for May, June and July and, in Au-gust, from 4.00 pm to 4.59 pm. In the evaluations between cities, the times from 2.00 pm to 2.59 pm and 4.00 pm and 4.59 pm did not differentiate between Três Pontas and Rio Bananal in April. However, at other times, Rio Bananal showed higher WBGT val-ues (°C). In relation to the month of August, the hours 11:00 am to 4:59 pm did not dif-fer between cities, at other times Rio Bananal presented higher values of WBGT (°C). At times when workers are exposed to heat above the occupational exposure limit, con-trol measures must be implemented, as for times when the WBGT is between the action level (22.3°C) and occupational exposure limit (26.0°C) acclimatization must be imple-mented and at times below the action level, work can take place continuously.