Assessment of work ability in a hot environment of workers of different ages

The aim of the study was to assess the ability to work in a hot environment as a consequence of a worker's age. Studies were conducted with 96 workers employed in a hot environment in an industry (70 men and 26 women). The participants' ages ranged from 20 to 60 years. Studies were conducted at work stations and in a laboratory. Results indicated a low level of VO2max in all groups of women and a low level of VO2max in men younger than 45 years, but an average level in men above 45 years, according to Åstrand's classification. Changes in core temperature (tc) during work in a hot environment differed slightly between all groups of men, but there were definitely greater increases of tc in older women, compared with younger women. A poorer HR recovery and worse subjective ratings of climate, thirst and physical stress were observed for older male and female workers compared with the younger ones. The above facts suggest higher physiological cost of work and lower ability to work in a hot environment of older workers, over 45 years of age, especially those with low aerobic capacity, as was the case for older women.