The physiological responses to stress can be reflected in an increase in several important bodily systems, including heart rate, blood pressure, and reaction time. The experiences of construction workers (e.g., iron or steelworkers) at higher surfaces, especially those undergoing first-time exposure to great heights, have the potential to exacerbate physiological stress, which is positively associated with sympathetic nerve activity. These unhealthy circumstances and hazardous surroundings have the potential to cause unexpected severe accidents, which can result in disability or even death. When paired with inexperience in operating tasks at heights and immaturity at a young age, the risk factors for falling can be significantly heightened. Previous studies indicated that the risk of falling increases when physical duties are specifically required to be performed at higher elevations. These illustrated that the increasing number of young workers, as well as serious occupational accidents from working at heights, is becoming a more serious issue that requires more attention and solutions. A recent report (2021) discovered that the number of Thai teenagers working in non-hazardous occupations, including those at heights lower than 10 m, had reached 193,548. Furthermore, 1555 younger workers, aged 15 to 19, were reported to have been injured in workplace accidents. According to 2020 statistics provided by the Social Security Office of Thailand (Workmen’s Compensation Fund), there were 6332 occurrences of workers aged 15 and older falling from great heights, 120 of which resulted in organ loss, disability, or death. The report also stated that there were 408,679 young workers, of whom 132,589 were employed in non-hazardous positions, including those at altitudes lower than 10 m. For example, a report (2018) carried out by the Ministry of Labour, the National Statistical Office of Thailand, and the International Labour Organization revealed that 3111 young workers between the ages of 15 and 17 were engaged in work at elevations greater than 10 m, even though regulations currently prohibit teenagers under the age of 18 years old from working on scaffolding at heights greater than 10 m. The issue of child laborers working at heights, especially in developing countries, has been reported as a serious problem which causes concern. The present study suggested monitoring heart rate data in teenagers conducting activities at heights, which can be triggered by fear and anxiety, as a strategy for preventing falls from height hazards. The main results indicated that heart rate was partially positively associated with mean arterial pressure, fear, and anxiety (with all p values < 0.001) in all teenagers (after controlling for level and sex), as well as male and female teenagers (after controlling for level). The measurements were examined and recorded once the task at each level was finished. Sixty teenagers (30 males and 30 females) between the ages of 15 and 18 who had no labor skills were recruited to perform the task at 11 levels, starting at zero meters and increasing by one meter at each level. The present study aimed to demonstrate the associations among physiological responses, fear, and anxiety in Thai teenagers at various height levels. This critical problem has, however, received limited research attention. Working on elevated surfaces without prior experience can be dangerous, particularly for young people, who are significantly more at risk of developing fear and anxiety, which might lead to falls and fatalities.
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