Heat Stress in Older Adults

Deep mechanized mines can be harsh work environments. In addition to the dust and
potential noxious gases, workers are frequently exposed to high heat and high humidity
conditions for extended periods of time. Studies suggest that an individual’s ability to maintain
a safe body temperature decreases with age, thereby increasing the risk of heat-related
injury. Poor physical fitness and chronic disease, which become more common with
increasing age, will also decrease heat tolerance. As the average age of workers has been
increasing across Canada, heat-related safety is becoming more of a concern. This research
seeks to examine the upper thresholds of temperature that older workers will be able to
tolerate. We will be measuring their responses to heat exposure both at rest, as well as
during incremental exercise in order to define the upper thresholds for safety in these
environments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Glen Kenny

Student:

Partner:

Vale Canada Limited (Copper Cliff, ON)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: