title: Thermophysiological responses and work strain in fishermen on deep-sea fishing vessels.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fishermen working on deep-sea vessels in the Barents and Norwegian Sea are exposed to low air temperatures, strong winds, high humidity, rain, snow and work at different intensities. Few studies have investigated the effect of environmental work factors on the physiology of this occupational group. The aim of the study was to investigate work strain and thermophysiological responses of fishermen on the trawl and factory decks of deep-sea vessels.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five professional male fishermen (age 39 ± 13 years) were recruited to the study which was performed on three trawlers in the Norwegian Sea in April, June and August 2014. During a six-hour shift, heart rate (HR), core (Tc) and mean skin (Ts) temperatures were recorded, and questions about subjective thermal sensation and comfort were answered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Short periods of hard (above 86% of HRmax) work raised Tc by 0.8°C to 37.8°C and decreased Ts by 2.3°C to 29.8°C during work on the trawl deck, and subjects reported being warm and sweaty. On the factory deck long periods of fairly light (between 52% and 66% HRmax) work, Tc of 37.4°C and Ts of 30.9°C were measured.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fishermen experience intermittent periods of heavy work on the trawl deck shown with elevated core temperature and HR. Work on the factory deck includes long periods of repetitive work with light to moderate work strain. A better understanding of work strain and environmental challenges during work on Norwegian deep-sea vessels will help identify exposure risks during work in the cold and heat.
authors.forename: Erik Ulvolden
authors.initials: EU
authors.lastname: Høye
authors.affiliation: 1. SINTEF Technology and Society, Department of Health Research, Trondheim. mariann.sandsund@sintef.no.
authors.forename: Mariann
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sandsund
authors.forename: Cecilie Thon
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Heidelberg
authors.forename: Lisbeth
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Aasmoe
authors.forename: Randi Eidsmo
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Reinertsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001267:Atlantic Ocean; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005398:Fisheries; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D009787:Occupational Medicine; D012767:Ships; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace
keywords: fishermen; thermophysiological responses; trawlers; work strain