Affiliations: Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Yang Yang, Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China. Tel.: +852 27664262; Fax: +852 27645131; E-mail: jackieyang8852@yahoo.com.hk
Abstract: Background:Construction workers in Hong Kong face high health risks of heat stress, solar ultraviolet radiation, and hazardous substances. A suitable work wear can lower exposure to these hazards, but the actual dressing behavior of construction workers remains unknown. Objective:This study examines the current dressing patterns of construction workers and evaluates their limitations. Methods:The dressing patterns of construction workers were investigated through unconcealed videotaped observation and questionnaire survey to enhance the reliability and validity of this research. Results:Results indicate that construction workers were willing to wear short-sleeved shirts for a cooler feeling, although such dressing patterns may not protect them against solar ultraviolet radiation or hazardous substances. Their preferred dark-colored long pants can decrease the direct exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation and hazardous substances, but they absorb a large amount of radiation heat that increases the hazards of heat stress to the wearers. Conclusions:Thermal-related attributes were the most significant concerns of construction workers, which serve as key elements for designing appropriate work clothes for construction workers.
Keywords: Construction workers, dressing behavior, current dressing patterns, work clothing
