HEAT STRESS

GETTING THE JOB DONE A safe worker is a productive worker When worker capacity is impaired, so is productivity Inadequate hydration leads to a loss in productivity When a worker is 2% dehydrated, they’re 20% less productive

The body maintains a balance It is constantly at work keeping an optimal performance One of the main goals is to sustain a core temperature (within any environment) It is a very sophisticated machine capable of adapting to its surroundings and activity #1 MACHINE – THE BODY

Often show up to work already dehydrated Alcohol consumption prior to shift Coffee and improper diet in the morning May experience other health issues – diabetes and/or hypertension Physical fitness varies between individuals Over weight Lack of exercise Poor diet BREAKING DOWN THE INDUSTRIAL WORKER

A hidden killer Dehydration

H 2 O AND YOU Essential to good health Makes up 60% of your body weight Flushes toxins out of vital organs Carries nutrients to your cells Helps regulate body temperature Lost via breathing, perspiration, urine and bowel movements

HYDRATION BY THE NUMBERS Average man burns 2,900 calories/day (12 cups water) Average woman burns 2,200 calories/day (9 cups water) 1 cup = 8 oz. (236 ml) of water (12) 8 oz. cups = 96 oz. (9) 8 oz. cups = 72 oz. 128 oz. = 1 gallon SOURCE: Mayo Clinic; Water: How much should you drink every day?

FLUID AND NUTRIENT LOSS Sweating Urination Diuretics (e.g. coffee) Exhaling Natural body exertion to maintain core temperature (e.g. more exertion, excessive sweating)

KEEPING TABS ON HYDRATION

HEAT STRESS Understanding your environment

WORKERS IN THE HEAT Dehydration is a leading cause of heat stress events Don’t depend on thirst or sweat as an indicator of life threatening fluid loss The body works hard at both job task and keeping core cool during such activity More exertion the more fluids and nutrients used The addition of PPE increases the overheating process Equipment heat adds to the environmental heat

HEAT STRESS SYMPTOMS HEAT ILLNESSES DISORDERFACTS/SYMPTOMSAPPROPRIATE RESPONSE Heat CrampsFatigue, confusion, painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs or abdominal areas. Stop exertion, move to a cooler place and drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes. Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles, then gently massage to relieve muscle spasm. Heat Exhaustion Fatigue, confusion, clammy skin, nausea, low blood pressure, rapid pulse, fainting. Stop exertion, move to a cooler place and drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes. Heat StrokeFatigue, confusion, collapse, unconsciousness.Seek medical attention immediately and cool the body down as quickly as possible. Move victim to cooler area and reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use fans and air conditioners. Temperature of 105ºF or higher can be fatal. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS!

ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS HOW TO USE CHART 1.Locate the day’s predicted temperature 2.Locate the day’s predicted relative humidity 3.Where #1 and #2 intersect determines APPARENT TEMPERATURE or WHAT IT FEELS LIKE.

FACTORS THAT INCREASE BODY HEAT

HEAT PREVENTION MEASURES Remember, it is much easier to prevent heat stress conditions than to recover from them Train workforce about heat-induced illness and injuries Be aware of your work environment Select proper clothing with evaporative capability Take adequate breaks in cool areas Have a hydration plan and fluids readily available Drink fluids with electrolytes on a regular basis throughout the day Perform work during coolest part of day if possible

ELECTROLYTES: ESSENTIAL FOR WORKER SAFETY Electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium) help maintain optimal nerve and muscle function Electrolytes are lost through perspiration and other types of normal physiological body functions Sqwincher is formulated and proven to be absorbed into the body at a higher rate than plain water, allowing the body to replenish the electrolytes and minerals needed for rehydration Palatability increases proper hydration practices Stay hydrated, fueled and focused with a proper electrolyte/hydration program

THE ONES WE FUEL Expressing interest in their safety and welfare boosts morale When you provide them a beverage that’s easy to use and tastes good, they’re going to want to drink it and, as a result, they’ll be more productive Being safety conscious regarding proper hydration procedures and their intake of electrolytes sends a constant, positive message to workers

OSHA MATERIALS Although OSHA may not mandate a Heat Stress program it is their recommendation to provide SAFE PROCEDURES and METHODS to maintain safety and recognize hazards for all employees to prevent accidents and/or death.

KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING For more valuable information on Heat Stress, please visit Sqwincher’s website at: sqwincher.com For more Heat Stress information from OSHA, please visit the “LINKS” area at the bottom of our Education Page or click on the OSHA link below: OSHA heat stress

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