Submaximal intermittent effort's on the individual performance in different thermal environments

Abstract

Construction industry is one of the most susceptible to heat stress due to outdoor working. This article aims to show the general results of tests performed with different levels of metabolism in different conditions of thermal environment on the performance of workers. taking into account individual timing characteristics of work and rest were analyzed. Assays were performed in a climatic chamber. In carrying out heavy work at high temperatures, the results show that the task time decreases while the resting time between working cycles increases,thus decreasing the productivity. In heavy work at low temperature, and in light tasks in both thermal conditions, working cycle's time does not change significantly and is longer, but the resting time between cycle increases. This study shows the important findings for the construction industry in Cape Verde. However, the results should be significantly deepened in these and other conditions of thermal environment for their interest for different economic activities.