WORKLOAD ASSESSMENT FOR HEAT STRESS HAZARD EVALUATION IN WORKPLACE TRAINING PROGRAM

Abstract

          The objective of this study was to develop workload assessment for heat stress hazard evaluation in workplace training program. The training program includes the contents of workload assessment by screening and observation methods in ISO 8996, the instruction, demonstration, individual practice and group discussion and case study training techniques, the test to measure the knowledge and skill of workload assessment. The participants total 46 including the occupational health officer, Environmental officer, Occupational health lecturer. Six tasks in a glass factory were videotaped; three case study was used for individual practice and the rest were used for group practice. During the videotaped the worker’s oxygen consumption was measured using an oxycon mobile instrument in order for workload calculation which would be used as a reference value. The participants were able to do the post-test score higher than the pre - test score. And the participant’s workload assessment result would be compared with the reference value. It was found that the results of workload assessment of individual and group study, 63.04%, 71.01%., 50%, 66.67% of participants could give an acceptable answer for workload assessment (±20% of the reference value) when screening and observation methods were used respectively. The results of workload assessment by the occupational health officer who were followed the able to assess workload where actual workplace found that the assessment of all is correct when screening and observation methods. From the results show that the workload assessment training program has effective and recommended to use for the guide when a workload assessment training program, including a screening and observation methods in ISO 8996 and use the instruction, demonstration, individual practice and group discussion with training techniques.