How to Combat Worker Dehydration in the Summer
For those who work outdoors during the summer in industries like construction, painting and landscaping, working in the heat can be a serious problem. Forgetting to take breaks or not drinking enough water can quickly lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses, which add up quickly in workers’ compensation claims. Even mild dehydration leads to decreased productivity, which is never a good thing when trying to get a job done on a tight deadline. To keep you and your fellow workers protected during the summer, here are a few tips to combat dehydration.
Recognize the Symptoms
Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. Not only does the body lose water when we sweat, but essential salts and minerals (electrolytes) also decrease. When we fail to replace lost fluids, the body borrows water from vital organs, which puts them under strain and causes common symptoms of dehydration like thirst, dry mouth, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
Stop Working Immediately
If it’s a mild case of dehydration such as thirst and dizziness, taking a break and drinking water is the best solution. Find shade or go inside for a few minutes to cool down and rest. If it’s a more severe case with symptoms like a fever, having difficulty breathing, or feeling confused, the employee should seek shade immediately, preferably in an air-conditioned area to bring the body’s temperature back to normal. Sipping water, sucking on ice chips, and drinking beverages packed with electrolytes are all effective ways to replace lost fluids. If an conditioned space is not available, removing/loosening excess clothing and using fans or spray bottles are other ways to bring down one’s body temperature.
Seek Medical Care
For dehydration cases that involve high fevers, vomiting, chest or abdominal pain, and seizers, workers should be taken to the hospital immediately for medical attention. Failure to take them to the hospital may cause serious health effects that could have otherwise been prevented.
Dehydration is very easy to avoid with the right safety management in place. By taking regular breaks, cooling down in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and drinking plenty of water, employees can continue working at high productivity levels without concern.
Have you or your fellow employees been experiencing dehydration incidents and battling for workers’ compensation? We want to help. Contact our law firm today for a consultation with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys.
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Our attorneys specialize in workman's comp, personal injury, and dispute resolution services.
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Frank Prior
With over 25 years of experience in civil litigation and thousands of cases mediated, Frank specializes in the fields of workers compensation and personal injury law.
Sherman Lee Criner
Sherman is Licensed to Practice Law in North and South Carolina. He has extensive education in law and the mediation practice, professional experience and impressive memberships in many noteworthy political, civic and business organizations.
Ashley M. Edwards
Ashley is a NC attorney and certified mediator in North and South Carolina, Ashley has represented hundreds of clients and mediated thousands of cases for attorneys, insurance carriers and private companies.
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