1374173 - Evaluation of Construction Workers’ Mental Health and Behavioral Attributes Towards the Perception of Productivity in Extreme Weather Conditions

The transportation industry employs a wide range of workers, from construction workers operating in an active traffic zone to truck drivers transiting hours on the road. Workers in the transportation sector are constantly exposed to unfavorable temperatures, risking their health and safety. The cognitive performance of the workers also gets disturbed upon exposure to changes in environmental conditions contributing to safety risks in the workplace. Thus, the safety and health of the workforce in the transportation industry need to be thoroughly investigated, which is the study's objective. In regard to this, a detailed questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to workers in the transportation sector. The survey distribution resulted in 100 responses, which was used to develop a logistic regression model with various mental, behavioral and productivity attributes. The model results revealed that workers constantly performing in cold temperatures experience dexterity in handling tools and require more extended rest periods, otherwise impacting their productivity. Workers above 50 years of age reported needing more rest periods than their counterparts to be more productive when performing in cold and adverse temperatures. Workers frequently involved in outdoor activities also believed reducing exposure to cold temperatures and efficient protective clothing would improve their performance. The findings of this study will serve in understanding the various mental health issues experienced by the workers in extreme temperatures and thus supports the upper management to develop effective health and safety measures.