3 Effective Strategies To Avoid Heat Stress
Proper hydration products and PPE keep workers cool, relaxed and heat stress-free.
- By Ben Julian
- Mar 01, 2024
With rising temperatures comes an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. These conditions arise when the body struggles to maintain its internal temperature due to excessive heat exposure, leading to potentially severe consequences such as confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, organ damage or even death. Therefore, recognizing symptoms and implementing preventative measures is crucial, especially in high-risk work environments.
In this story, we explore three effective strategies you can take to keep workers cool, comfortable and heat stress free while working in high heat conditions.
1. Choose A Superior Hydration Solution
Managing hydration and heat stress goes beyond merely consuming electrolytes. Look for advanced formulas that contain an optimal mix of electrolytes, branch-chain amino acids, B and C vitamins and low-GI carbohydrates for sustained energy release without the sugar spike. You may ask, what are these ingredients, and why do they matter for employees subjected to the threat of extreme heat?
Amino Acids. Branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs) play a crucial role in protein synthesis, muscle building and recovery. BCAAs constitute over one-third of essential amino acids. Research indicates that adding amino acids to carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks boosts fluid retention by 15% compared to carbohydrate-electrolyte-only beverages and 40% more than water alone.
It is vital to maintain sufficient BCAA levels during extended shifts or demanding work to prevent excessive serotonin accumulation in the brain, which can cause drowsiness, impaired judgment and increased risk of lost time incidents (LTIs).
Electrolytes. Electrolytes are vital minerals that play a crucial role in regulating water movement within the body and maintaining the acid-base balance necessary for cellular activities. Key electrolytes include potassium, calcium, sodium, chloride and magnesium.
These electrolytes are essential for transmitting electrical signals from the brain to nerves, activating muscles for mechanical functions and supporting most bodily processes, particularly neuromuscular activities. To prevent heat illness, the body must replace lost fluids and electrolytes to rehydrate and restore efficient functioning.
Vitamins. Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining optimal health. B vitamins support appetite, good vision, healthy skin, a well-functioning nervous system and red blood cell formation. They also function as coenzymes, assisting the body in obtaining energy from food and drinks.
This article originally appeared in the February/March 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.