DefinePK

Abstract

This study examines the effects of heat strain and work load intensity on the productivity of indoor workers in Lahore, Pakistan from the sustainability of workplace practices perspective. Lahore's indoor factories tend to be poorly ventilated, and the intense work demands cause major health and safety issues. Heat strain has been worsened by the rise in temperature from climate change, resulting in physiological stress, fatigue, and reduced productivity. Using the quantitative approach, data were collected from workers between the ages of 18 and 60 during peak summer months using structured questionnaires. The results show a high negative correlation between heat exposure with workload intensity and worker productivity. Additionally, the study finds that there are key gaps in current practice such as poor ventilation, lack of rest breaks and limited awareness of the risks surrounding heat stress. Measures such as better insulation, energy-efficient cooling systems and worker-centred policies for reducing heat strain and optimised workload management are being suggested. Although the research set is limited to indoor factories in Lahore and does not include outdoor work settings, it does call for sustainable strategies to be developed for better health of workers, improved productivity and meeting international occupational health standards. This work will provide important input for policymakers tackling heat-related occupational hazards for developing countries.