What are the signs of dehydration in the workplace?
When you're feeling dehydrated, it's important to know the signs so that you can take action and prevent any serious health problems. Some symptoms of dehydration in adults can include having a dry mouth, feeling thirsty, urinating less than usual, feeling tired or lightheaded, and experiencing headaches. If someone is exhibiting these signs, it's crucial that they drink fluids and avoid any strenuous activity.
It's also important to be aware of heat-related illnesses. These illnesses can occur when an employee is exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time. The most common types of heat-related illnesses are sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. All three of these conditions can result in hospitalization if not treated properly.
Employers should ensure that their employees are taking regular breaks during extreme weather conditions and drinking fluids regularly. It's also important to provide a cool place for employees to rest if needed.
What are the dangers of overheated and dehydrated employees in the workplace?
Employers should be aware of the dangers that dehydration can have on an employee's cognitive performance. Dehydration can cause a number of physical and mental health issues. Mild levels of dehydration may lead to cognitive impairment or mood disturbances. With a lack of water, blood pressure will drop and the body's cells won't be able to communicate properly. This could lead to seizures or other complications. Mixed signals of muscle contractions and a loss of consciousness could be caused by dehydration-related headaches which are treatable with increased water intake, but can become more serious if not treated quickly enough. In some cases, dehydration can even lead to organ failure.
Dehydrated employees can lead to hospitalization and great expenses for employers, including sick leave, replacement employees, and medical bills. The consequences become even greater when OSHA gets involved with its National Emphasis Program, which results in lengthy protocols and expensive procedures.
What does the National Emphasis Program have to do with employee hydration?
The National Emphasis Program (NEP) is a program focused on hydration, and ensuring employees are given safe working environments. This includes making sure they are properly hydrated.
The NEP helps ensure employees are hydrated and given proper working conditions. They routinely make inspections at any locations working in high temperatures.
What are the benefits of employee hydration in the workplace?
There are many benefits to keeping your employees hydrated in the workplace. First and foremost, dehydration can lead to decreased productivity and focus. When you're dehydrated, your brain cells aren't as active, leading to a decrease in mental performance. This can impact an employee's ability to concentrate and may result in mistakes being made while working. In addition, dehydration can also lead to mood disturbances which can create conflicts among coworkers.
Apart from basic biology, hydrated employees are safer and more reliable. Dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and temporary unavailability. By keeping employees hydrated and healthy, you keep them on the job.
On top of this, by keeping your employees hydrated, you'll avoid spending countless hours working with OSHA's National Emphasis Program in the case you're not up to standards.
How can employers ensure employee hydration in the workplace?
The best approach to employee hydration is one you can be sure of: MX3's Hydration Testing System. This is the most effective way to ensure your employees are hydrated and safe. Our Hydration Testing System allows employers to track hydration from their office and even capture data and generate compliance reports in one convenient location through their portal.
How does MX3's Hydration Testing System work?
MX3's Hydration Testing System is a device that can measure the level of hydration in your body. The MX3 LAB, test strips, and app work together to provide a seamless, on-the-go version of lab testing and results. Test for hydration several times a day or as needed, and track changes and results over time.
You can use the MX3 Hydration Testing System to help you stay properly hydrated, especially if you are an athlete or have a job that requires physical labor. It uses saliva osmolarity measurements which are immediate, actionable, non-invasive, and preferred over urine measurements by both workers and health and safety officers. The system is non-invasive and easy to use. The results are instantaneous and can be used to monitor your hydration levels over time