What is Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when a person’s body loses more fluids than it takes in. Fluid loss happens through sweat, urination, and can also be caused by conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The risk of dehydration increases significantly during hot summer months. Anyone who has to work in hot, humid conditions regularly are at risk for heat-related illnesses and dehydration. Workers who are required to wear heavy protective equipment are also at risk for becoming dehydrated and overheated.
Symptoms of Dehydration
- Feeling thirsty
- Dark urine
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Muscle fatigue
- Confusion
- Elevated body temperature
- Poor skin turgor
Severe dehydration can cause severe damage to internal organs.
How can employers prevent dehydration?
Construction workers are at high risk of dehydration due to various factors, including working outdoors, performing strenuous activities, and wearing heavy or bulky protective equipment. To prevent dehydration among workers, OSHA recommends that employers provide cool water, and for those working more than 2 hours, access to fluids containing electrolytes like sports drinks.
In hot weather, employers should require workers to take breaks which are long enough for the workers to recover from the heat before returning to work. Cool locations, including shady areas, tents, air conditioned rooms or vehicles, or areas with fans or other cooling devices.
Training is also an effective tool to prevent dehydration.
What can workers do to stay hydrated?
Drink water! Thirst is often the first symptom of dehydration. Drink water throughout the day, not just when feeling thirsty, to prevent dehydration.
In addition to paying attention to the symptoms of dehydration like thirst or dizziness, the following “pinch test” can be performed to test your skin turgor to determine if your body is dehydrated:
1. Pinch the skin on the top of your hand using two fingers
2. Hold the skin in place for three seconds
3. Release the skin
A person who is properly hydrated should see their skin return to normal immediately. Skin that does not “snap back” immediately and takes time to return to normal indicates dehydration. To rehydrate, drink more fluids, including those with electrolytes.