@article{ref1,
title="Associations between heat exposure, vigilance, and balance performance in summer tree fruit harvesters",
journal="Applied ergonomics",
year="2018",
author="Spector, June T. and Krenz, Jennifer and Calkins, Miriam and Ryan, Dawn and Carmona, Jose and Pan, Mengjie and Zemke, Anna and Sampson, Paul D.",
volume="67",
number="",
pages="1-8",
abstract="BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate potential mediators of the relationship between heat exposure and traumatic injuries in outdoor agricultural workers. <br><br>METHODS: Linear mixed models were used to estimate associations between maximum work-shift Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGTmax) and post-shift vigilance (reaction time) and postural sway (total path length) in a cross-sectional sample of 46 Washington State tree fruit harvesters in August-September 2015. <br><br>RESULTS: The mean (SD) WBGTmax was 27.4 (3.2)°C in August and 21.2 (2.0)°C in September. The mean pre-work-shift participant urine specific gravity indicated minimal dehydration. Twenty-four percent of participants exhibited possible excessive sleepiness. There was no association between WBGTmax and post-shift reaction time or total path length. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Heat exposure was not associated with impaired vigilance or balance in this study, in which the overall mean (SD) WBGTmax was 25.9 (4.2)°C. However, the study identified opportunities to ensure adequate pre-work-shift hydration and to optimize sleep and work-shift timing in order to reduce occupational injury and heat-related illness risk.<br><br>Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0003-6870",
doi="10.1016/j.apergo.2017.09.002",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2017.09.002"
}