Washington — Ensuring workers are properly hydrated is essential for preventing heat-related illnesses, OSHA is reminding employers.
In a recently published tip sheet, the agency explains that our bodies heat up as we work and cool down through sweating. This can lead to dehydration and a heat-related illness.
OSHA details how substances such as alcohol, caffeine and medications can affect hydration.
Among the agency’s tips for employers:
- Educate workers on the importance of hydration and what to avoid.
- Equip all work areas with accessible and visible cool water (less than 60° F).
- Encourage workers to drink at least 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15-20 minutes while working in the heat, not just when they’re thirsty.
- Maintain a cool or shaded location for rest breaks.
- Designate a relief person so workers can take a water break, or have water brought directly to workers who can’t leave their work area.
- Encourage workers to keep a sealable bottle of cool water in their work area so they can continuously hydrate.
- Consider providing electrolyte products when workers perform strenuous, sweat-producing job tasks for extended periods of time.
Taking scheduled meal breaks, OSHA adds, will help replace lost electrolytes.
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Finally, workers should hydrate before, during and after work. “Chronic dehydration increases the risk for medical conditions, such as kidney stones,” the agency says.
