This topic addresses safe work practices and important preventive dehydration measures to keep our bodies healthy. Dehydration can occur when more water and fluids leave the body than have been taken in and if ignored, dehydration can become life-threatening.
- Dehydration can harm our bodies and can increase frequencies of urinary tract infections, reduced kidney function, slower wound healing, and migraines or persistent headaches
- Severe dehydration can cause unconsciousness, heat stroke, seizure, kidney failure, shock, brain damage, and even death
- Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated; water helps your body perform physically and mentally, regulate body temperature, flush body waste, and lubricate/cushion joints
- Do not rely on the feeling of thirst to prompt you to drink water. Hydrate with fluids throughout the workday; about 20% of a person’s hydration comes from the food they eat and remaining 80% comes from water or other beverages
- For moderate to strenuous work, it may be beneficial to consume beverages with electrolytes, coconut water, or electrolyte tablets in addition to water
OSHA Standard 1926.51(a)(1) An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all places of employment.
OSHA encourages workers to drink at least 1 cup of water every 20 minutes while working in the heat
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups of fluids for men and about 11.5 cups of fluids a day for women with a reminder that 20% of that daily fluid intake comes from foods.
Discuss signs of severe dehydration, such as, lack of sweating, chest/abdominal pain, skin is very slow to bounce back when pressed or pinched, blotchy skin, confusion, lethargy, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, rapid and weak pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, high fever, minimal or no urination. If worker shows these signs,
Start first aid procedures, and call 911.