Up to 60% of the human body is water. It plays a critical role in many bodily functions including lubricating joints and eyes, eliminating body toxins, facilitating digestion and circulation, and more. Obviously, proper hydration is important, especially in the workplace where workers may be exposed to conditions that increase dehydration risks.

When you think of Workplace Dehydration Risks, your mind probably goes to outdoor environments and high temperatures, and rightly so. However, dehydration is a year-round issue and lots of different workplaces and job sites have a higher risk of it than you might think.

Understanding Workplace Dehydration Risks and Prevention

Dehydration is caused when fluid loss from sweating, urinating, and tears exceeds the amount of water that’s consumed. This leads to a lack of liquids in the body that can cause a variety of problems including lowered performance, fatigue, and dizziness.

The most common signs of dehydration are thirst, dry mouth, and fatigue. The good news is that drinking water can typically get you back to a healthy level of hydration. However, it’s important to drink frequently and to monitor yourself for signs of dehydration during shifts that last more than 2 hours. It’s also recommended to consume sports drinks or other beverages that contain electrolytes to help replace the salts lost through sweating. In addition, if you’re working in hot or humid environments, you may need to have additional hydrating methods such as gels, powders, or electrolyte tablets. Ensure that your team has access to a clean, potable source of water that’s only intended for consumption and not for cleaning tasks.