Which environmental factor might contribute to discomfort during manual handling procedures?

While tightly applied straps can indeed create discomfort during manual handling procedures by restricting movement and causing pressure points, the environmental factor that significantly impacts discomfort in this context is high humidity levels.

High humidity can lead to increased sweat production, making workers feel physically uncomfortable and more fatigued during manual handling tasks. Sweaty hands can also affect grip, leading to a higher risk of dropping objects and increasing the effort required to lift or carry them. The combination of heat and humidity can exacerbate tiredness and stress, which are critical considerations in manual handling situations.

Cold temperatures can lead to stiffness in muscles and joints, which may also cause discomfort, but generally, high humidity has a more pronounced effect due to the combination of physical exertion and environmental stressors. Excessive noise can lead to distraction and stress, but it does not have a direct physical impact on comfort in the same way that humidity does.