Heat Stress Awareness

Hot Months and Increased Use of PPE Require Awareness of Signs of Heat Stress

In 2020, our Summer jobsites looked a little different than previous years. Working in the heat during a pandemic required us to redefine our safety measures as temperatures started climbing. We’re still dealing with some of these issues in 2022. Workers putting in a full shift wearing a mask or face covering are going to get hot and sweat more than usual. We need to make sure all workers are staying properly hydrated throughout their shifts.

How To Know If You’re Getting Dehydrated

Working through the conditions of dehydration is not only physically uncomfortable, but can be downright dangerous when operating heavy equipment and working with tools. For our safety, and everyone on our crew, the need to replenish electrolytes is vital.

Even mild dehydration can have negative effects on physical and mental performance. It can result in reduced energy levels, reduced endurance, and can even harm brain function. A familiar reaction to electrolyte loss is cramping. But by the time cramping sets in the body is already out of electrolytes. Cramping is the body’s way of indicating it is on empty. The goal in replenishing electrolytes is not so much to prevent cramping, but to maintain specific bodily functions at optimal levels.

Needless to say, if you, or a coworker is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s time to find some shade, and replenish. Always better to take a break rather than risk possible injury.

EVEN BETTER is to stay ahead of these symptoms. Studies confirm that keeping your electrolyte levels up allows you to stay focused, and work in the heat for longer periods between breaks.

Best Ways To Replenish

Water can fend off dehydration but water alone won’t replenish lost sodium, chloride, potassium and other minerals. Just drinking sports drinks isn’t the only way to replenish electrolytes.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are full of electrolytes and carbohydrates (in the form of sugar) – which bind to electrolytes and water, delivering water and nutrients to your muscles faster. If you are working hard all day, this level of sugar is actually helpful. If you are working at a low level of intensity, then a good rule of thumb is to reduce your sugar intake by also including some sugar-free options.

Enhanced Water

Adding electrolyte packets to your water is an economical and effective way to replenish lost electrolytes. These drink mixes are enhanced with minerals necessary to replenish sodium, potassium and other lost minerals, and are beneficial to keep workers going and energy levels up. Some brands of water contain added electrolytes, but most people drink more water when it’s flavored.

Coconut Water

Packed with nutrients and low in sugar, coconut water is a great way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, especially potassium–which can prevent muscle cramping.

Natural Rehydration

A natural rehydration drink with electrolytes includes water, salt and sugar. Mix water with a 10-1 ratio of sugar (or honey) to sea salt. This will do the trick if you need to avoid, or reduce your sugar intake.

Why Not Just Drink More Water?

In the heat of the job, sweating is the biological reaction to cool core body temperature. It seems logical that drinking water would replace water lost through sweating. However, drinking more water without replacing lost electrolytes can cause dilution and deplete what little remaining electrolytes are left. So while drinking water is a requirement in preventing dehydration, workers also need to replenish electrolytes. Having both water and sports drinks available onsite for workers is a good rule of thumb to prevent and treat dehydration.

How Electrolytes Can Boost Productivity

We can all picture athletes chugging down sports drinks to replenish their lost electrolytes. But, athletes aren’t the only ones who need to keep their bodies hydrated and fluid levels balanced. The demands of construction can really throw workers’ bodies off balance both physically and mentally. Understanding the importance of hydration for construction workers keeps us safe and ultimately more productive. During the summer months we need to find effective ways to beat the heat and get the job done!

The problems begin when the sweating starts. Excessive sweating during exercising—or when placing concrete, hanging sheet rock, fitting pipe, or swinging a hammer—is what leads to dehydration and subsequent electrolyte loss. When bodies sweat, they lose both water and electrolytes, particularly sodium and chloride.

 

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How The Body Cools Itself

1. The body regulates temperature like a furnace – constantly producing and dispersing heat through various processes
2. To dissipate heat, arteries and veins near the skin fill up to let heat energy radiate out of the body
3. The body begins to sweat which cools the skin by evaporation
4. When the air temperature is close to or above normal body temperature, cooling of the body becomes more difficult
5. If the body cannot get rid of excess heat, it will store it and the core temperature rises

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Keep The Crew Hydrated And Cool

Just like elite athletes, contractors need to keep their hardworking bodies hydrated, and preventing electrolyte loss is better than treating it after cramps or other symptoms have had a chance to set in. It’s worth emphasizing in the next safety meeting just how important replenishing electrolytes is for worker health, safety and productivity.

On your jobsites make sure to set up shade areas with popups or E-Z Ups and provide a hydration station with some options. 5 or 10 gal. igloo coolers, cases of water with electrolyte packets, frozen Sqwincher Squeeze® Pops, etc, are always great ideas.


For more info on the importance of Electrolytes and Hydration:

https://www.thedailymba.com/2016/12/21/infograph-why-hydration-is-essential-for-your-employees/

https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/5-hydration-dos-and-donts#1