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Osha 4372

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125 views3 pages

Osha 4372

Uploaded by

zyadelmekaweyt
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Keeping Workers Well-Hydrated

Why Hydration is Important


Your body heats up as you work and cools itself through sweating. Sweating
can lead to dehydration. Proper hydration is essential in preventing heat illness.

How Different Products Play into Hydration


Alcohol Water
Alcohol can increase your risk of heat Drinking water frequently and eating
illness because it is a diuretic. Diuretics regular meals is usually sufficient for
lead to dehydration. hydration.

Medications Electrolytes
Certain medications, like diuretics, can For sweating that lasts several
lead to an increase in urination. If a hours, sports drinks can help replace
worker is not keeping up with their water electrolytes that workers lose when
intake, they are at risk of dehydration. working in hot environments. Salt
tablets are not recommended unless
a worker is instructed by their doctor.
Caffeine Most people can restore electrolytes
In general, a normal amount of caffeine will through regular meals. Additionally,
not influence your overall hydration. When consuming too much salt may lead
your heart is strained from hot temperatures to nausea and vomiting which can
and workload, high caffeine levels can add worsen dehydration.
additional strain on your heart. Workers
should keep this in mind: some energy drinks
contain more caffeine than coffee.
Tips for Employers
To prevent heat illness among indoor and outdoor workers, it is important for employers
to ensure workers are hydrated, have easy access to water, and can rest.

Employers can encourage proper hydration by:


Educating workers on the Designating a relief person so that
importance of hydration and workers can take a water break
what should be avoided. or having water brought directly to
workers that cannot leave their
work area.
Equipping all work areas with
accessible and visible cool water
(i.e., temperature less than 60° F). Motivating workers to keep a
sealable bottle of cool water in
their work area so that they can
Encouraging workers to drink at continuously hydrate.
least one cup (8 ounces) of water
every 15-20 minutes while working
in the heat, not just when they are Consider providing electrolyte
thirsty. Do not drink more than 48 products when workers perform
oz (1½ quarts) per hour! Drinking strenuous, sweat-producing job
too much water or other fluids tasks for extended periods of time.
(sports drinks, energy drinks, etc.)
can cause a medical emergency
because the concentration of salt in
the blood becomes too low.

Maintaining a cool or shaded


rest break location:

Outdoors: This might mean a shady


area, an air-conditioned vehicle, a
nearby building or tent, or an area
with fans and misting devices.

Indoors: Workers should be allowed


to rest in a cool or air-conditioned area
away from heat sources (e.g., ovens,
furnaces).
Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Workers
When working in the heat, drink 1 cup How much is 32 ounces?
(8 ounces) of water every 15–20 minutes.
This is about 32 ounces of water every hour,
however, this should not exceed the 48 oz.

Along with continuous drinking, take your


scheduled meal breaks as food will help in
replacing the electrolytes lost from sweat. 1 QUART 1/4 GALLON 1 LITER

Hydrate Before Work Hydrate During Work Hydrate After Work

Being hydrated before you Dehydration can happen fast, so Be sure to replace the fluids
begin work makes it easier for make sure to drink cool water you lost while working.
you to stay hydrated throughout throughout your shift even when Hydrating after work reduces
your shift. you do not feel thirsty. the strain on your body from
dehydration. Hydrating after
work is even more important if
you work in a hot environment
Pro tip: There are misconceptions around the safety of cold water. on a regular basis. Chronic
Consuming water—whether it is cold, cool, or room temperature— dehydration increases the
when you’re dehydrated is important for preventing heat illness. risk for medical conditions,
Source: Sustainable solutions to mitigate occupational heat strain such as kidney stones.
| NCBI

Sources:
Heat Stress: Hydration | CDC | Keeping Workers Hydrated and Cool Despite the Heat | Blogs | CDC

Federal law entitles workers to a safe workplace. Workers have the right to speak up about hazards without
fear of retaliation. See www.osha.gov/workers for information about how to file a confidential complaint with
OSHA and ask for an inspection.

1-800-321-OSHA (6742) | TTY 1-877-889-5627 | www.osha.gov/heat

Scan for more information


OSHA 4372-09 2023 on heat illness prevention

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