Effects of Thermal Exposure on Workers’ Performance in an Automotive Manufacturing Facility

The automotive manufacturing sector in Malaysia operates in a tropical climate, where persistent high temperatures and humidity can influence worker comfort, safety, and productivity. Although heat-related risks are well recognized, few studies have examined actual production environments in the automotive industry, especially in Pekan, Pahang. This study examines the impact of thermal exposure on worker performance by integrating environmental monitoring with worker-related data. Environmental parameters, including temperature and relative humidity, were measured in the Body Shop department using a GSP-6 Pro data logger at three daily intervals, which are 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM at several points. The recorded values were used to estimate the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which ranged between 27.2°C and 30.4°C. These levels indicate conditions that could affect workers’ comfort. To complement these findings, worker symptom data were sourced from a previous validated study within the automotive industry. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test to explore potential relationships between thermal exposure and symptoms, including loss of concentration, dizziness, headache, and severe thirst. The analysis did not reveal any significant associations, suggesting that worker responses may be influenced by additional contributing factors. These preliminary findings underscore the need for broader data collection and direct worker surveys in the next phase of research to establish stronger evidence and inform the development of effective heat management strategies for sustainable automotive manufacturing.