Occupational Safety & Dehydration

Dehydration poses a serious threat to workers who must endure unusual physical exertion or hot climates. Even in these situations, however, proper foresight can prevent dehydration.

Dehydration

• Dehydration occurs when people lose more body water than they replace. Under normal circumstances an adult should consume about 8 glasses of water a day to replace water lost through normal body processes, according to Wellman.

Occupational Hazards

• Workers who engage in vigorous physical activity, especially in high temperatures, may need up to three times the normal amount of fluids to combat dehydration. Outdoor laborers, for instance, face an increased risk of becoming dehydrated.

Symptoms

• A worker who experiences sudden problems involving thirst, dark-colored urine, dizziness, weakness, accelerated heart rate and rapid breathing may suffer from dehydration. Untreated dehydration can result in kidney failure or shock.

Treatment

• A worker suffering from dehydration should get immediate treatment from an on-site nurse or a hospital emergency room. Standard treatment includes oral or intravenous fluids and rehydration salts.

Prevention

• Workers performing physical labor in a hot climate should make sure they have hydrated themselves before starting work and then make a conscious effort to stay hydrated by consuming frequent sips of extra fluids throughout their shift, regardless of thirst, according to Health and Safety Executive.