Physical Work in Humid Heat Impairs Postural Balance during Simulated Construction Tasks at Height.

Purpose: Occupational heat strain can impair construction workers' motor and cognitive functions, potentially leading to accidents, injuries and lowered productivity. We examined the effects of physical work under various warm and humid tropical conditions on performance in virtual reality (VR)-based construction tasks.

Methods: Eighteen healthy men (age: 29 ± 5 years) completed three randomised, counterbalanced experimental trials comprising ~2.