Survey of 200 Workers Reveals Serious Impact of Factory and Warehouse Heat on Productivity (Survey by Nippon Sha-netsu)

In recent years, 'heat' in work environments has become more than just a seasonal issue; it is a critical challenge directly linked to productivity and safety. In factories and warehouses, temperatures exceeding 30°C have become commonplace, leading to decreased work efficiency, more frequent breaks, and higher risks of health issues. Particularly in sites heavily affected by heat, there are concerns about project delays and impacts on quality.

To clarify the impact of heat on productivity, Nippon Sha-netsu Co., Ltd. (https://topheat.jp/), a provider of advanced thermal insulation methods for energy saving, conducted a survey among 200 site personnel in factories and warehouses. The survey multi-dimensionally analyzed the temperature ranges where workers feel heat, the impact on work, current heat countermeasures, and future challenges, effectively 'visualizing' heat risks on-site.

We hope the findings of this survey will serve as a reference for improving working environments and help companies secure safety and improve productivity.

Table of Contents:
1. Heat in work areas during summer peaks
2. Impact on productivity due to heat
3. Current heat countermeasures being implemented
4. Heat countermeasures of interest/for future consideration
5. Summary: 'Heat risk' affecting productivity and future workplace development

Q1. Which of the following best describes the heat in your work area during summer peaks?
*Based on thermometers/WBGT meters/HVAC displays, or physical sensations (sweating, breaks).

The most common response was 'Around ~27°C (Comfortable to Slightly Hot)' at 23.5% (47 people). This indicates that some sites maintain relatively workable environments.

However, many sites experience severe heat. '31-33°C (Sweating doesn't stop / Breaks increase)' accounted for 22.0% (44 people), '34-35°C (Very tough / Feeling health risks)' for 18.0% (36 people), and '36°C or higher (Danger level / Difficult to continue work)' for 11.5% (23 people).

Totaling those who answered 31°C or higher results in 51.5% (103 people), showing that more than half of the sites are exposed to intense heat. Particularly at levels exceeding 34°C, workers are not just feeling 'hot' but are entering a stage where specific risks like health issues and productivity drops are consciously felt. This is a point that cannot be overlooked.

Additionally, '28-30°C (Sweaty / Workable but hot)' accounted for 16.0% (32 people). Even if work is possible, these environments are not comfortable and can lead to fatigue accumulation during long hours or physical tasks.

'Don't know' was 9.0% (18 people), suggesting some sites do not track indicators like temperature or WBGT.

Q2. Which best describes the 'impact on productivity' due to the heat?
*Based on breaks, work speed, and errors/rework.

The most common response was 'Impacted (Work speed decreases / Breaks increase)' at 27.0% (54 people). This shows that productivity loss is already spreading in the field.

This was followed by 'Significantly impacted (Work volume clearly decreases / Overtime and carryovers increase)' at 23.5% (47 people). Beyond just a drop in speed, some sites face more serious impacts like actual volume reduction and business delays.

'Lightly impacted (Concentration drops / Small errors increase)' accounted for 17.5% (35 people). Even minor impacts can affect quality and safety over time.

On the other hand, those who said 'Almost no impact' were only 16.0% (32 people). While some measures function well, the majority of sites see productivity affected in some way.

'Serious (Temporary shutdown / Operational adjustments needed / People getting sick)' was 10.5% (21 people), and 'Don't know' was 5.5% (11 people).

Q3. What 'heat countermeasures' are you currently implementing? (Multiple answers allowed)

The most common was 'Fans / Large fans / Circulators' at 31.0% (62 people). These are easy to install and effective for air circulation in wide spaces, making them a popular choice for many factories and warehouses.