Authors: Dr.P.Bharathi, Dr.T.Vijayakumar
Abstract: Occupational heat stress poses a critical, under-regulated health hazard to informal sector workers operating in extreme thermal environments. This study evaluates heat strain, risk perceptions, and self-protection behaviors among workers in micro-informal pyrotechnic units in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. Using a structured interview schedule, empirical data were collected on demographics, environmental microclimates, physiological symptoms, attitudinal predispositions, and preventive behaviors. Quantitative stratification using the Heat Strain Score Index (HSSI) revealed that 74.0% of the surveyed workforce operates under elevated physiological strain (38.0% Yellow Zone/Moderate Strain; 36.0% Red Zone/Severe Strain). Symptom evaluation confirmed universal thermoregulatory distress, with workers reporting high rates of excessive sweating (100%), fatigue (96%), persistent headaches (90%), heat rash (84%), and dizziness (76%). A significant operational disconnect was identified between worker safety attitudes and field compliance. Although respondents demonstrated high risk awareness and a favorable overall attitude toward heat prevention (Overall Attitude Index = 51.80), their actual preventive practices remained unfavorable (Overall Practice Index = 13.58). This attitude-practice gap is primarily driven by socio-demographic vulnerabilities (48% illiteracy, low income), piece-rate wage demands, and severe workplace structural barriers, including inadequate shade and continuous unventilated work shifts. The findings emphasize an urgent need for institutionalized engineering and administrative interventions, such as mandatory rest-hydration schedules, low-literacy visual safety training, and enhanced thermal controls tailored to micro-informal industrial settings.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22300418
