Surviving the Summer Heat: A Guide to Workplace Safety and Hydration

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Jim Huebner, Construction Marketing Channel Manager

With rising temperatures comes an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. These conditions arise when the body struggles to maintain its internal temperature due to excessive heat exposure, leading to potentially severe consequences such as confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, organ damage or even death. Therefore, recognizing symptoms and implementing preventative measures is crucial, especially in high-risk work environments.

Companies operating in extreme heat environments must prioritize worker safety and well-being by taking proactive steps. In this blog, we explore the significance of hydration in combatting heat, the efficacy of various electrolyte drinks and the contributions of vitamins and amino acids to optimizing overall health. Don't let heat compromise workforce safety and performance—arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to tackle heat-related challenges today.

OSHA National Emphasis Program on Heat Illness Prevention

Extreme heat poses a significant threat to workers, and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken notice. The OSHA National Emphasis Program on Heat Illness Prevention aims to protect workers from heat-related illnesses through proactive inspections in indoor and outdoor work environments. The program includes triggers for heat-related inspections and emphasizes days with extreme heat risk identified by the National Weather Service.

OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace protected against known hazards, including extreme heat. To meet these requirements, employers can implement engineering, administrative and personal protective measures to address heat-related threats. Control measures may include monitoring employee exposure, training, providing cooling systems and scheduling work during cooler hours. In addition, outdoor workers may benefit from shade, fans, misters, cooling clothing and frequent hydration breaks.

The Importance of Hydration to Worker Safety and Productivity

Hydration plays a vital role in preventing heat illness, and dehydration can lead to complications such as muscle cramps, dizziness and fatigue. Surprisingly, about 50-60% of the industrial workforce begins their day already experiencing mild dehydration. This level of dehydration can result in slower reaction times and reduced cognitive abilities.

To combat this, employers must provide employees with easy access to water and electrolyte drinks while encouraging regular hydration breaks. Every 15 to 20 minutes, employees in hot temperatures should drink eight ounces of water, according to NIOSH. Waiting longer between drinking—even if higher quantities are consumed—is not recommended as “drinking at shorter intervals is more effective,” per the agency. Longer jobs may require electrolyte-containing beverages.

Navigating the Electrolyte Beverage Market

In the quest to combat dehydration, people commonly turn to electrolyte beverages. For workers in hot environments wearing multiple layers of clothing and PPE, replenishing fluids and sodium is crucial for maintaining hydration, safety and productivity.

Ideal hydration solutions include low-sugar electrolyte drinks enriched with amino acids to replace lost sodium, electrolytes and amino acids during periods of intense perspiration. However, many consumers lack knowledge about the importance of healthy and effective hydration.

Unfortunately, some popular electrolyte drinks on the market fall short of expectations. For instance, one of them lists maltodextrin, a food additive, as their primary ingredient. Similarly, another one of them lists sugar as their primary ingredient, with 34 grams per 20-ounce bottle. In contrast, the main ingredient in Thorzt is electrolytes. Thorzt also uses all-natural food coloring.

Thorzt: A Superior Hydration Solution

Thorzt understands that managing hydration and heat stress goes beyond merely consuming electrolytes. Their formula contains an optimal mix of electrolytes, branch-chain amino acids, B and C vitamins and low-GI carbohydrates for sustained energy release without the sugar spike. But what are these ingredients, and why do they matter for employees subjected to the threat of extreme heat?

Amino Acids

Branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs) play a crucial role in protein synthesis, muscle building and recovery. BCAAs constitute over one-third of essential amino acids. Research indicates that adding amino acids to carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks boosts fluid retention by 15% compared to carbohydrate-electrolyte-only beverages and 40% more than water alone.

It is vital to maintain sufficient BCAA levels during extended shifts or demanding work to prevent excessive serotonin accumulation in the brain, which can cause drowsiness, impaired judgment and increased risk of lost time incidents (LTIs).

Glutamine, a non-essential amino acid, is the most abundant in the body and serves as a critical protein building block. During physical stress, the body's demand for glutamine can change significantly. For example, prolonged physical strain prompts body organs to require more glutamine in response to elevated stress levels. As a result, the body's glutamine levels decrease, necessitating additional glutamine to sustain optimal performance.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are vital minerals that play a crucial role in regulating water movement within the body and maintaining the acid-base balance necessary for cellular activities. Key electrolytes include potassium, calcium, sodium, chloride and magnesium.

These electrolytes are essential for transmitting electrical signals from the brain to nerves, activating muscles for mechanical functions and supporting most bodily processes, particularly neuromuscular activities. To prevent heat illness, the body must replace lost fluids and electrolytes to rehydrate and restore efficient functioning.

Magnesium, an often-overlooked electrolyte, is critical for physical performance and capacity. However, strenuous work or exercise can lead to magnesium loss, resulting in muscle cramps and weakness.

Vitamins

Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining optimal health. B vitamins support normal appetite, good vision, healthy skin, a well-functioning nervous system and red blood cell formation. They also function as coenzymes, assisting the body in obtaining energy from food and drinks.

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is essential for maintaining cell cohesion and as a result, proper bodily functions. Since the human body cannot produce or store vitamin C, daily consumption of this nutrient is crucial for maintaining good health.

The Thorzt blend combines cutting-edge branch-chain amino acids, magnesium, and a customized mix of electrolytes, all proven to enhance hydration under any circumstances. However, it is essential to remember that maintaining proper hydration is only one component of a comprehensive heat stress management program.

PIP^®: An All-Inclusive Solution for Heat Illness Prevention

To effectively address the dangers of extreme heat, companies must establish a comprehensive heat illness prevention strategy, encompassing heat stress prevention plans, proper hydration, and the provision of necessary equipment for worker safety and comfort.

PIP^® can help. In addition to offering premium hydration drinks from Thorzt, PIP^® also provides a wide range of heat stress fighting PPE and equipment. From cooling packs to cooling hats, neck shades and cooling towels, PIP^® has the heat stress PPE your workers need to stay cool and comfortable on the job. Click here to see how PIP^® can help you create a cooler, safer and more comfortable work environment.

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