8233585 Risk factors and resilience: addressing heat stress in the workplace

<h3>Objective</h3> The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of work and individual factors on heat stress perception, heat symptoms, and perceived work performance in power plant workers exposed to hot environments. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 534 operational workers employed at power plants in a hot region of Iran during summer 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic information, job characteristics, heat stress perception, symptoms, and self-rated work performance. Independent variables included age, years of work experience, physical work demands, access to water and rest, clothing insulation, and exposure to occupational safety training. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple regression models were used to identify significant predictors of heat-related outcomes. <h3>Results</h3> Older age, high physical work demands, limited access to hydration, and absence of occupational safety training were significantly associated with higher perceived heat stress, more frequent heat-related symptoms (e.g., fatigue, dizziness), and lower self-rated work performance (p &lt; 0.05). Workers aged ≥50 years and those in physically intensive roles were particularly vulnerable. Conversely, workers with access to water, rest breaks, and adequate protective clothing showed greater resilience. Years of experience did not consistently forecast heat-related results when other factors were controlled. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The research identifies significant risk and protective factors for power plant workers’ vulnerability to heat stress. Workforce resilience can be improved through adaptive measures—such as increased access to hydration, targeted training, and task redesign—that mitigate health risk while sustaining productivity. Results offer evidence-based guidance to occupational health practice in hot environments, particularly in light of climate change’s increased global temperatures.