Evaluating heat stress management for workers in hot environments
Safe Maximum Work Times and the Effectiveness of Work-rest Allocations in Mitigating Increases in Core Temperature During and on the Day Following Prolonged Heavy-Intensity Work in the Heat in Young and Older Workers
This study tests how long young and older adults can safely work in hot conditions before needing breaks to prevent heat stress, aiming to make workplaces safer for everyone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 69 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06543719 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how long young and older adults can safely work in hot conditions before needing rest breaks to prevent heat stress. It focuses on individual variations in heat tolerance rather than applying a uniform guideline for all workers. Participants will engage in simulated work in heat to assess their core temperature responses and determine safe initial stay times before implementing heat-mitigation strategies. The goal is to improve workplace safety for individuals exposed to high temperatures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-30 and older adults aged 50-69 who are habitually active but not endurance trained.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing health conditions or those regularly exposed to hot environments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective heat stress management strategies for workers in hot environments.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on heat stress, this study's focus on individual variations and initial stay times is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * young (18-30 years) and older adults (50-69 years) * habitually active, not endurance trained (\<2 sessions per week, \<150 minutes per week) * non-smoking * English or French speaking * ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * pre-existing health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) * use of medication deemed to significantly modulate thermoregulatory function and heat tolerance (e.g., antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics) * engaged in jobs and/or activities that involve frequent exposure to hot environments (e.g., regular sauna use)
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- University of Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Glen P Kenny, PhD
- Email: gkenny@uottawa.ca
- Phone: 613-562-5800
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.