The danger of extreme heat increases every year. Workers suffer over 3,500 injuries and illnesses related to heat each year. Addressing proper hydration in the workplace with the right hydration solution can create safer work environments and boost worker productivity.
Understand the Importance of Proper Hydration in the Workplace
Dehydration happens as the body loses more fluid than it takes in and when necessary, electrolytes haven’t been adequately replaced.The body loses vital fluids and electrolytes from sweating, urinating, exhaling, physical exertion, and diuretic intake. Other factors that affect hydration include diet and nutrition, physical condition, alcohol consumption, and the age of the employee. Consuming sufficient amounts of water, along with fluids that contain a balanced electrolyte formulation, helps the body regulate proper nerve and muscle function, aiding in the prevention of dehydration and related symptoms.
Proper hydration contributes to a workplace atmosphere that helps workers safely perform their daily tasks and focus on productivity. Adequate hydration is also essential to regulating core body temperatures, returning nutrients for critical organ functions and flushing internal toxins out of the body. A hydrated worker is a happy worker, something that is priceless when it comes to workplace safety and productivity.
Know the Different Hydration Beverage Classifications
Choosing the right product formulation to replenish fluids and vital electrolytes is key is properly hydrating workers without unwanted or unnecessary complications. Understanding the different hydration beverage classifications can help you choose the right product for your workers.
Traditional – Balanced Electrolyte Formula
- Sports drinks: Sports drinks are designed to replenish electrolytes and provide energy to athletes and other active individuals. They typically contain water, sugar, electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), and sometimes vitamins and minerals
- Electrolyte drinks: Electrolyte drinks are designed to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat and dehydration. They typically contain water, sodium, potassium, and sometimes other minerals like magnesium and calcium.
Non-Traditional – Extreme / Over Formulated
- Energy drinks: Energy drinks are designed to provide a quick boost of energy and contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants. They are not typically recommended for hydration purposes, as they can lead to dehydration.
Supplement – Personal Nutrition (can require individual monitoring)
- Protein shakes: Protein shakes are typically made from whey, soy, or other types of protein powder and are designed to provide a convenient source of protein for muscle recovery and growth.
- Meal replacement shakes: Meal replacement shakes are designed to provide a balanced mix of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in a convenient and portable form.
- Pre-workout drinks: Pre-workout drinks are designed to provide energy, focus, and endurance during exercise. They typically contain caffeine, amino acids, and other performance-enhancing ingredients.
- Post-workout recovery drinks: Post-workout recovery drinks are designed to help the body recover after exercise by providing a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.
Keep an Eye on Sodium Levels in Hydration Products
For many things today, more may seem better. However, when it comes to developing products for routine daily hydration in the workplace, that’s simply not the case. In recent years, sodium has emerged as one of Canada’s largest public health issues. According to Health Canada the average Canadian consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day. The recommended sodium intake for people between nine and 50 years old is 1,500 milligrams, and the upper tolerable limit, beyond which the risk of health problems start to increase, is 2,300 milligrams. Diets high in sodium are a major risk factor for high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. High sodium intake has also been linked to osteoporosis, stomach cancer and kidney problems. Sodium is a controllable risk factor for these problems.
Be Aware of Added Supplements
Another serious issue for safety officials to be concerned about is certain supplements. Always review the list of ingredients to check which supplements are being added before considering a product that may contain ingredients that require monitoring. Certain supplemental ingredients may increase the risk of unwanted side effects and create situations that require additional employee monitoring for unintended concerns or side effects. When considering any supplement, it is recommended to watch for ingredients that could exacerbate underling medical conditions.
It is important to note that even beneficial supplements may cause unnecessary issues when too much is consumed regularly, such as stomach problems, including nausea, diarrhea and bloating. Research has found that the overall consumption of supplements such as Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) can cause effects on mood, may be linked to increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, and high levels of BCCAAs have been correlated to the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Consider Hydration Products Made for the Industrial Workplace
Hydration safety works best with formulas targets to handle industrial workers’ needs by featuring low sodium and sufficient potassium, the two key electrolytes required for proper hydration in the workplace.
Sqwincher: The Natural Recovery Source for Dehydration
Sqwincher is a great-tasting, scientifically formulated electrolyte replacement hydration solution. It is designed to restore important mineral salts and fluids lost through dehydration, physical exertion and heat stress.
Sqwincher comes in a variety of flavours, regular and sugar-free formulations, as well as a selection of convenient packaging options. It has served Canadian industrial workers since 1975 and is specifically created for the high heat-stress environment of the industrial workplace.
To learn more about Sqwincher and to protect your employees against heat stress injuries and accidents, visit our hydration solutions page or fill out the form below to talk to a safety specialist about your specific needs.
