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 during periods of intense perspiration. However, many consumers lack knowledge about the importance of healthy and effective hydration. Many popular electrolyte drinks currently on the market fall short of expectations. In one case, Maltodextrin, a food additive, is listed as their primary ingredient. Similarly, another alternative lists sugar as their primary ingredient, with 34 grams per 20-ounce bottle. Choosing the right hydration solution ensures that workers stay adequately hydrated, healthy, and productive without unnecessary additives or excessive sugar.

Thorzt: A Superior Hydration Solution

PIP® understands that managing hydration and heat stress goes beyond merely consuming electrolytes. The THORZT™ line of hydration solutions, including THORZT™ Solo Shots and Freeze Shots offer low sugar and sugar-free electrolyte replenishment solutions with all-natural food color for sustained energy relief without sugar spike.

More than just a hydration solution, THORZT™ Solo Shots are a scientifically proven mix of cutting-edge vitamins, minerals and amino acids formulated to promote quick hydration and muscle recovery. Essential branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) help to promote energy production and minimize inflammation and muscle soreness throughout the workday, a feature that no other electrolyte beverage on the market can claim. Meanwhile, THORZT™ Freeze Shots feature electrolytes in the form of soft crushed ice that offers immediate cooling relief, without hassle and mess.

THORZT™ Solo Shots combine cutting-edge BCAAs, 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 prevention program.

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

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

Other OSHA-compliant heat stress solutions include:

Phase Change Cooling (cooling vests and packs)

Evaporative Cooling (cooling towels, neck wraps, and sleeves)

Absorptive Cooling (cooling sweatbands and bandanas)

Sun Protection (visors and neck shades)

Breathable Workwear (Bisley X-Airflow™ Workwear and Bisley Workwear Essentials T-Shirts)

PIP® can help - in addition to offering THORZT™ hydration solutions, we also provide a wide range of heat stress fighting PPE and equipment workers need to stay cool and comfortable on the job.

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