HEAT STRESS EFFECTS ON CONSTRUCTION LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN HOT SEASONS: A CASE STUDY OF REBAR AND MOULDING WORKERS IN CAMBODIA

Authors

  • Latin Heang Research and Innovation Centre, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia
  • Kinnaleth Vongchanh Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia
  • Yang Yang School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom
  • Sarin Chan Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia
  • Pheak Kor Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/aej.v16.24382

Keywords:

Construction Labour, Heat Stress, Hot Season, Phnom Penh, Productivity, Tropic Region, WBGT

Abstract

 

This study investigates the impact of heat stress on construction labour productivity (CLP), the Perceptual Strain Index (PeSI), and work intensity among rebar and moulding construction workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Thirty-four healthy workers aged 18 to 54 volunteered during the hot months from March to June 2023. Heat stress was measured using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) collected on-site. Physiological responses, such as heart rate, were monitored. The percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) was computed to determine the work intensity. Perceptual responses were measured using PeSI. CLP was measured by observing the direct work productivity of participants. CLP was then quantified as the percentage of time participants/workers dedicated to direct tasks. ANOVA and correlation were applied for analysing the effect of WBGT on CLP, PeSI, and %HRmax. Results indicate that higher WBGT levels significantly reduce construction labour productivity (Pr = 1.1e-06). The average CLP declines from 74% to 48% as WBGT increases from 26℃ to 35℃. Heat stress is significantly positively correlated with PeSI (r = 0.466, Pr = 2e-16)) and %HRmax (r = 0.247, Pr = 4.78e-12), indicating increased heart rates and perceived strain with rising temperatures. Despite stable physical effort, productivity declines due to physiological or psychological factors linked to heat exposure. These findings suggest that workers' perceived exertion intensifies as risk of heat stress increase, negatively impacting well-being and productivity. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by construction workers during Cambodia’s hot months and emphasises the need for strategies to mitigate heat-related impacts and enhance productivity in the construction sector.

Author Biographies

  • Latin Heang, Research and Innovation Centre, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia

    Mr. Latin is a researcher at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia and a PhD candidate in Energy Technology Management. He works under the Research and Innovation Center, ITC, conducting research in the field of heat stress for his PhD. Additionally, Mr. Latin actively participates in research projects related to waste-to-energy and energy efficiency.

  • Kinnaleth Vongchanh, Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia

    Dr. Kinnaleth Vongchanh is a lecturer-researcher at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), specializing in thermal energy, energy efficiency, and heat stress. She leads the Thermal Research Lab, overseeing research at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels, and manages various capacity-building projects. As Program Manager of CEMAT and the LCB Training Program, she focuses on energy management, passive cooling, heat stress, and waste-to-energy solutions, supporting Cambodia’s net-zero transition.

  • Yang Yang, School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom

    Dr. Yang Yang (Jackie) is a research at the School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University, UK, specializing in heat stress research. She was reserach at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Prior to her current role, Dr. Yang served as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Building and Real Estate at PolyU, focusing on occupational safety and health, particularly in the context of heat stress and its impact on construction workers. Her research interests encompass heat stress assessment, sustainable construction practices, and the development of interventions to mitigate heat-related health risks

  • Sarin Chan, Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia

    Dr. Sarin Chan, Vice Dean of Faculty of Electrical Engineering, is a senior lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC). He specializes in energy technologies, energy efficiency, heat stress, briquette production, and waste heat recovery using Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). 

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Published

2026-03-01

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1: March 2026

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Articles