Heat stress and its impact on bricklayers' health and productivity : evidence from Yangon, Myanmar | |
| Author | Zuzan Lwin |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.CM-25-02 |
| Subject(s) | Labor productivity--Effect of heat on--Rangoon (Burma) Heat--Physiological effect--Rangoon (Burma) |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Engineering in Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The construction sector is one of the leading industrial sections in Myanmar. Moreover, construction is also most vulnerable due to heavy reliance on labor force, and is the kind of occupation where high heat exposure cannot be avoided. The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship influences heat stress between the productivity and health in outdoor and indoor bricklaying workers in Myanmar. A Field study was conducted a two-month period in Yangon focusing on indoor and outdoor bricklaying activities. Direct observation offers a method to gather information about the amount of labor productive, contributory, and nonproductive work hours spent on building construction projects. Data collection included continuous observations, physiological measurements (heart rate, core body temperature, skin temperature), cognitive performance tests, and detailed productivity assessments from bricklaying construction workers on two different construction sites. This study found that outdoor construction workers were exposed to significantly higher levels of heat stress, leading to increased physiological strain, particularly in body temperature. Age and work experience were key factors influencing vulnerability, with older and less experienced workers showing greater susceptibility to heat-related health risks. Cognitive performance declined after prolonged work, especially among older workers. Heat stress reduced productivity and increased unproductive time, with heart rate being a strong productivity predictor indoors, and body temperature playing a larger role outdoors. The use of neck cooling towels showed a significant improvement in outdoor workers’ productivity, highlighting an effective, low-cost mitigation strategy. These findings support the need for targeted heat management policies to protect worker health and maintain efficiency in hot and humid environments. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Construction Engineering and Infrastructure Management (CM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Santoso, Djoen San |
| Examination Committee(s) | Roy, Joyashree;Virdis, Salvatore G.P. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Loom Nam Khong Pajai (Greater Mekong Subregion) Scholarship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |