Repository logo
 

Exposure to Heat Stress, Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and Other Occupational Health Hazards among Groundskeepers at East Carolina University

dc.access.optionRestricted Campus Access Only
dc.contributor.authorBeck, Nicole C.
dc.contributor.departmentEnvironmental Health
dc.date.accessioned2017-01-11T20:10:39Z
dc.date.available2017-01-11T20:10:39Z
dc.date.created2016-12
dc.date.issued2016-11-16
dc.date.submittedDecember 2016
dc.date.updated2017-01-11T14:32:14Z
dc.degree.departmentEnvironmental Health
dc.degree.disciplineMSEH-Environ Hlth-Research Opt
dc.degree.grantorEast Carolina University
dc.degree.levelMasters
dc.degree.nameM.S.E.H.
dc.description.abstractGroundskeepers work most of the year outdoors, performing physically demanding duties. The amount of time spent working outdoors exposes groundskeepers to various hazards including physical hazards (hot temperatures, cold temperatures, ultraviolet radiation [UVR]), various arthropods (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks), and ergonomic hazards associated with bending, kneeling, and awkward posture for prolonged periods. This study assessed exposure to heat, cold, UVR, arthropods, and ergonomic hazards among East Carolina University groundskeepers (n=44). Groundskeepers completed pre-and post-surveys to determine any changes in hazard exposures and knowledge on personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Heat stress indices and UV indices were recorded three times a day (morning, noon, afternoon) in work areas. Heat stress, UVR monitoring and arthropod collection were conducted during three seasons: summer, fall, spring. Arthropod collections were conducted in selected work areas weekly. Differences in the mean and median heat stress and UV indices within the seasons (P<0.01), months (P<0.01), and time of day (P<0.01) were significant. In addition, differences in the mean and median UV indices by weather were also significant (P<0.01). Heat stress, UVR monitoring and arthropod collection were conducted during three seasons: summer, fall, spring. Arthropod collections were conducted in selected work areas weekly. The only diurnal arthropods collected were four Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes and 864 mosquitoes of five genera and 14 species were collected. Findings of this study will be beneficial in identifying recommended controls for heat stress (e.g., scheduling heavy work during colder months and times of the day, taking frequent breaks, sufficient fluid intake) and UVR (e.g. scheduling outdoor work in the morning, personal protective equipment use) exposure.
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10342/6008
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherEast Carolina University
dc.subjectEnvironmental Health
dc.subjectOccupational Safety
dc.subjectHeat Stress
dc.subjectUltraviolet Radiation
dc.subjectOccupational Health Hazards
dc.subjectGroundskeepers
dc.subjectOutdoor workers
dc.titleExposure to Heat Stress, Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and Other Occupational Health Hazards among Groundskeepers at East Carolina University
dc.typeMaster's Thesis
dc.type.materialtext

Files

Original bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
BECK-MASTERSTHESIS-2016.pdf
Size:
4.31 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format

Please login to access this content.

Download