While staying hydrated is important for everyone, those in certain occupations are more likely to be at risk. Outdoor workers, warehouse workers, those in manufacturing and food service are just a few industries prone to experience conditions that lead to fluid loss. Understanding these risks and putting safety measures in place is crucial for keeping workers safe.
 
While drinking beverages like milk, juice, or even some soft drinks may help to hydrate your body, water is essential. Insufficient amounts of water can lead to serious dehydration.

Dehydration: a common symptom of heat illness

In the workplace, it is easy to lose fluids through heat exposure, sweat, burns, and lack of available drinking water. High temperatures during the summer months increase the risk of dehydration. And by the time your body begins showing symptoms, it’s often too late.

Recognize the warning signs

If you feel thirsty, have dry mouth, feel weak, or dizzy, you may be dehydrated. If your body can’t produce enough sweat to cool yourself down, it can lead to a more severe condition like heat stroke.

The importance of regular water intake

It can be difficult to keep track of the volume of water you drink, but eight glasses a day is the minimum recommended amount. It’s also important to pay attention to how much water you’re drinking compared to how much your body is losing. A person can lose about a liter of fluid an hour doing heavy work.

Practical tips for staying hydrated

  • Track your fluid intake. Use a note card or a smart phone app to record how much you drink each day and make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water.
  • Sip throughout the day. Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Make it convenient. Carry a water bottle wherever you go. Consider using a water pitcher filter at work for easy access to clean water.
  • Drink water that tastes good. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding lemon or lime, or buy flavored water with electrolytes.
  • Eat high water-content foods. Try adding foods with a high-water content into your diet, like celery, tomatoes, and melons.

Pay attention to the early signs of dehydration and drink plenty of water before, during, and after work. Prioritize safety by staying well-hydrated, especially during the summer months.

See all our Heat Illness resources for guidance on how to protect your workers.