Washington — Ensuring employees are correctly hydrated is important for stopping heat-related sicknesses, OSHA is reminding employers.
In a not too long ago printed tip sheet, the company explains that our our bodies warmth up as we work and funky down by way of sweating. This can result in dehydration and a heat-related sickness.
OSHA particulars how substances comparable to alcohol, caffeine and drugs can have an effect on hydration.
Among the company’s suggestions for employers:
- Educate employees on the significance of hydration and what to keep away from.
- Equip all work areas with accessible and visual cool water (temperature lower than 60° F).
- Encourage employees to drink no less than 1 cup (8 ounces) of water each 15-20 minutes whereas working within the warmth, not simply once they’re thirsty.
- Maintain a cool or shaded location for relaxation breaks.
- Designate a reduction particular person so employees can take a water break, or have water introduced on to employees who can’t go away their work space.
- Encourage employees to maintain a sealable bottle of cool water of their work space to allow them to constantly hydrate.
- Consider offering electrolyte merchandise when employees carry out strenuous, sweat-producing job duties for prolonged intervals of time.
Taking scheduled meal breaks, OSHA provides, will assist exchange misplaced electrolytes.
Finally, employees ought to hydrate earlier than, throughout and after work. “Chronic dehydration increases the risk for medical conditions, such as kidney stones,” the company says.
