The investigators aim to test the effectiveness of two cooling interventions in reducing the core temperature of outdoor workers.
Workers in a variety of US industries-construction workers, welders, farmers, firefighters, and warehouse workers among them-are at risk for hyperthermia during work, yet very few interventions are being developed to mitigate heat related organ injury, particularly when workers do not have obvious symptoms of heat related illness. The investigators plan to test whether two active cooling technologies can help mitigate hyperthermia and risk for kidney injury. This work will enhance worker safety using evidence-based technology. To accomplish the aims of testing two active cooling interventions, the investigators plan to implement a case-cross over randomized control trial design at the work site conducted in partnership with an employer and with 30 workers at risk for hyperthermia. Over three sequential weeks, the investigators will measure rate of core temperature change (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes will include changes in kidney injury markers; changes in worker productivity; and worker acceptability of interventions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Standard CAL-OSHA workplace heat illness prevention interventions, which require availability of cool, potable water; availability of shade when temperatures exceed 80F; and encouragement of rest for cool down breaks
Cooling bandana embedded with a polymer to slow evaporation
Cooling glove with ability to circulate cool water interface with palmar skin
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California, United States
Core Temperature
Rate of core temperature change as measured by core temperature pill
Time frame: up to 10 hours
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