Now that temperatures are warming up, keeping workers hydrated is a priority. For those working outside directly under the sun’s hot rays, it’s a no-brainer that they need to stay hydrated to stay healthy and productive. But, it’s also just as important for those working inside hot factories and warehouses to keep up with their liquid intake. With the heat coming off of machines and the lack of air circulation inside many work plants, it can sometimes be hotter inside than it is outside. Understanding how to keep workers hydrated will help keep them healthy and productive.

Providing your workers with water and electrolyte drinks is a simple way to avoid problems with dehydration at work. BlackHawk sells Sqwincher packets that make it easy for businesses to order online and have shipped directly to them. Sqwincher contains a balanced source of sodium and potassium – key electrolytes necessary to hydrate the body. These hydration solutions quickly replace lost fluids containing sodium and potassium, key electrolytes needed to keep the body hydrated at the exact levels the body needs.

DANGERS OF DEHYDRATION

Dehydration can happen quickly and without anyone really noticing, but the effects can be impactful.

As little as a 1% drop in body weight loss can decrease productivity by 12% according to Industrial Safety & Hygiene.

In one study, forest workers were separated into two groups. One was properly hydrated and the other was dehydrated to 1% of body weight loss. Both groups were asked to debark and stack 2.4 cubic meters of pulpwood. In the end, the properly hydrated group was 12% more productive than the dehydrated group. And, it’s not just physical ability that’s affected. A worker’s mental performance is weakened as well. Dehydration – even at just 1% - lowers a person’s cognitive thinking. That includes decision-making, problem solving, visual motor tracking, short-term memory and attention span. It could not only slow employees down, but also become a safety issue due to increased risks of work-related accidents.

On a normal day, the body needs three quarts of water to keep fluid levels balanced. In extreme heat, as your body perspires, you lose key electrolytes – primarily sodium – that water alone does not replenish. Low fluids and electrolyte levels can lead to dehydration, throwing off the body’s balance. Workers can become lethargic and sick.

WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?

Electrolytes are minerals in your body that have an electric charge. They are in your blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids. Electrolytes are important because they help

• Balance the amount of water in your body
• Balance your body's acid/base (pH) level
• Move nutrients into your cells
• Move wastes out of your cells
• Make sure that your nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should

Sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium are all electrolytes. You get them from the foods you eat and the fluids you drink.

The levels of electrolytes in your body can become too low or too high. This can happen when the amount of water in your body changes. The amount of water that you take in should equal the amount you lose. If something upsets this balance, you may have too little water (dehydration) or too much water (overhydration). 

ARE ELECTROLYTE DRINKS NECESSARY?

The answer depends on the duration of exercise and the amount of sweat involved. For a typical workout at the gym, water is fine. The same goes for kids in mainstream youth sports. For the majority of the population, on most days, water is the best choice for staying hydrated. However, in extreme cases of heat and long stretches of heavy activity, electrolyte replacements may be necessary.

According to a recent report by Cleveland Clinic, drinking water is recommended for an hour or less of activity. For 75 minutes or more of sweating – especially in hot conditions – electrolyte supplements can help restore essential elements. 

For additional questions about electrolyte supplements sold by BlackHawk Industrial, give us a call. We’re happy to help. Our mission is to provide innovative, value-added services and products that reduce our customer’s total cost. Feel free to contact us for more information.

BlackHawk Industrial

1501 SW Expressway Drive

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012

[email protected]

Toll Free: 855-610-1001