Our hot summer is just around the corner..
No matter what your workplace looks like, if you’re working on a building site or your outdoors at a school, the summer heat in its prime means that there is an increased need for staying hydrated. Providing safe drinking water for employees is not just a nice thing for employers to do, it’s a requirement.
We’ve compiled a list of things you need to be aware of in order to keep your staff and yourself hydrated, especially when working outside >
Preventing heat related illness
Heat related illnesses such as heat stroke can occur if your staff are not maintaining their hydration levels and drinking regular amounts of water.
Your body sweats to stay cool, but that also means that when you’re sweating, you’re losing the water your body needs to produce more sweat to stay cool. This is why it is so critical, especially in the summer, to stay hydrated.
Drink regularly
It is recommended that employees working in extreme heat should drink about four cups of water every hour. More if they are working in direct sunlight.
Adjusting to the heat
Different people will have different hydration needs and will have different levels of tolerance for the heat. Thirst is one of the first signs that your body is getting dehydrated. Pay attention to how you’re feeling throughout the day and try to break for water before you begin to feel thirsty.
If this is your first summer working in the heat, try to take time to get used to working outside in the heat a little at a time. If you can, alternate between jobs that are outside and ones that are inside. If that isn’t an option, try to find opportunities to work in the shade.
Teamwork
Remember, you aren’t the only one working out in the sun. Pay attention to the people around you and remind them to take a water break too. Your co-workers are there to help you all stay safe on the worksite, and it’s hard to do that if you’re dehydrated.
**Here at Refresh Water, we specialise in providing hydration solutions for a number of industries, including construction workers, particularly on building sites to ensure that their hydration needs are met. We have a whole range of products to suit individual requirements.
So if you’re on the lookout for a water cooler, get in touch with us today on 0800073 0474.**