The Summer heat can be hazardous if one does not take proper safety precautions. Therefore, you must learn and memorize these safety tips about staying hydrated to help keep yourself and your crew safe and healthy.
Symptoms of Dehydration
The first symptom of dehydration is either darker urine or lack of urination and thirst. Urine color is one of the best determining factors of dehydration (the clearer, the better). However, on the jobsite, you may not realize you are thirsty, which is why you must ensure that you are drinking water regularly when working outside in the heat. You should be drinking between 6 to 8 ounces every 20 minutes. If dehydration persists, mild symptoms can begin to appear, such as:
- tiredness
- dry mouth
- headaches
- dizziness
- muscle weakness
If these symptoms are ignored, and dehydration continues, more server symptoms occur (Heat Stress-related issues):
- low blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- fever
- delirium
- unconsciousness
- sunken eyes
- lack of sweating
Preventing Dehydration and Staying Hydrated
We understand that the construction site can be a dangerous, busy place to work, but you must realize that if you become dehydrated, you are only making it more dangerous. Care for yourself and your other workers by ensuring everyone is drinking the proper hydrating fluids (water or sports drinks) throughout the day.
Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, energy drinks, or soda. These will only cause further dehydration. Managers should be monitoring the temperature to ensure a safe work environment. If you believe it is too hot outside to work, raise concern. Do not risk yours or your coworkers’ safety.
Dehydration is a serious concern while working in construction and needs to be appropriately addressed to avoid hazards. If you need help training, consider Foy Safety Consulting, Inc. We are trained safety professionals that will assist you in following OSHA’s requirements, ensuring you and your team are staying hydrated!