HEAT STRESS FACTORS

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

• Air Temperature is the first major factor related to heat stress.
• Indoor or in-shade temperatures can also rise to high levels.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

• Higher humidity levels can cause additional perspiration, requiring an extra effort to maintain proper hydration.
• An easy number to pay attention to is the "feels like" temperature that factors in both humidity and air temperature.

PHYSICAL EXERTION

As the workload increases, so does your your metabolic rate. As a result, your internal body core heat rises. 

RADIANT HEAT

• Working close to a heat source indoors or outdoors can drive up heat index values.
• Full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees F. 

CLOTHING

• The type of clothing can have a positive or negative impact on the amount of heat stress the body has to deal with.
• Make sure workers are equipped with appropriate clothing for safety and heat stress. 

NEW EMPLOYEES

• New employees on the job are at highest risk for heat-related illness. 
• Getting acclimated (Acclimitization) to heat conditions is critical to heat tolerance.

QUALITY HYDRATION

The human body is made up of around 60-70% fluid. Dehydration occurs when the body is losing more fluids than being consumed.  Without quality hydration, both worker safety and productivity are compromised. 

HYDRATE 24/7

• Normal daily activity reulsts in an average of 2.5L(liters) of fluid loss per day. 
• Have quality hydration available on the job 24/7

ELECTROLYTES

Your body needs more than just water to hydrate properly, it needs electrolytes. This is because your body runs on electricity! These electrical charges, powered by electrolytes, trigger reactions that keep your body's processes (like your heartbeat, or sweat production) running smoothly. Electrolytes are simply a family of chemicals that have different negative and positive charges. The major electrolytes are: 

Magnesium - Supports nervous system, maintains balance of the other crucial electrolytes, and helps regulate muscle contractions

Sodium - Regulates how much water your body retains or excretes, supports proper blood pressure & circulation, and maintains sweat production for cooling.

**Watch for cheap hydration products high in sodium because it's cheaper to manufacture.

Potassium - Works with sodium to keep water inside cells, maintains steady heartbeats, and helps the connection of electrical signals between nerves and muscles. 

Calcium - Helps regulate the sweat gland function, facilitates communication between nerve cells, and supports the contractions of the heart muscle. 

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Knowledge is key for employees adopting heat stress initiatives. If you have available hydration, how would an employee know when to drink it? If an employee sees someone struggling with symptoms, how would they know when to seek help?  

HEAT-ILLNESS PREVENTION PLAN

As of July 2024, OSHA is taking steps to implement a federal heat standard to protect workers. Get ready by implementing a written plan of your own following OSHA guidelines here.

REGULAR HYDRATION EDUCATION

• A weekly email or posting when temperatures climb to dangerous levels
• Quarterly training during peak seasons
• Mandatory Water Breaks

See More On Encouraging Employee Hydration

TRAIN ON DEHYDRATION SYMPTOMS & SIGNS

Urine Color 

Decreased productivity - increases exponentially when fluids and hydration are not improved. 

Muscle cramps - Begins with small muscle twitches, then advances into larger muscle cramps and contractions. 

Confusion, dizziness, headaches, nausea - symptons worsen as lack of hydration accelerates.  

Lack of sweating - the body overproduces sweat and then ceases sweating, leading to hot, dry skin. 

Lethargy, Rapid pulse, +101F fever - Signs of an impending heat stroke, move to cool place, hydrate, and call 911. 

SQWEEZE POPS

Get your electrolytes in easy to use freezer pops that workers love, just freeze and serve!

QWIK STIKS

Sticks of powder, packed with electrolytes, ready to pour in a water bottle and shake!

POWDER PACKS

Ready made packs of powder ready to pour in 2.5 gal or 5 gal coolers and stir!

LIQUID CONCENTRATE

Made for easy mixing into any size cooler, just measure, pour, stir and serve!