Women, Work and Heat Stress

Women, Work and Heat Stress: Health Impacts on Women Construction Helpers examines the growing challenge of occupational heat exposure among women employed in the construction sector. Against the backdrop of climate change and rising temperatures, the book investigates how prolonged exposure to extreme heat affects the health, productivity, and well-being of women construction helpers engaged in physically demanding outdoor work.Drawing upon field-based research conducted in Chandrapur, Maharashtra-one of India's hottest regions-the study explores the socio-economic profile of women workers, workplace conditions, heat-related illnesses, occupational vulnerabilities, and coping mechanisms adopted during extreme weather conditions. Particular attention is given to gender-specific challenges, including inadequate access to drinking water, sanitation facilities, rest breaks, and occupational health protection.The book highlights the intersection of climate change, occupational health, and gender inequality, providing valuable insights for researchers, students, policymakers, labour administrators, public health professionals, and development practitioners.