Hydration Solutions

10 TIPS TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION

SHOP HYDRATION

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth and as one of the hottest climates, many Australian workers are at risk of dehydration and heat stress. Those most at risk are outdoor workers who perform physically intensive labour and indoor workers who are exposed to high temperatures with poor ventilation.

It is important to identify and assess any heat safety hazards in the workplace, as there are serious risks associated with dehydration, including heat-related illness. Heat illnesses can range from a heat rash to heat stroke and even death.

Dehydration Symptoms Include:

  • Thirst
  • Dry mouth, dry nose
  • Fewer trips to the bathroom
  • Headache
  • Light-headedness
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Irritability/Confusion

Follow these 10 tips to minimise the risk of dehydration and heat illness in your workplace:

10 Tips to Prevent Dehydration

  1. Don’t Wait Until You Are Thirsty
    If you are thirsty it means you are already dehydrated. Instead drink small amounts frequently at regular intervals – ideally drink 250ml every 15-20 mins while working in the heat.
  2. What Colour is Your Pee?
    The colour of your urine can give you a good indication as to how hydrated or not you are. Put simply, light means you're hydrated and ready to go, dark means you're dehydrated and may need to take some action.
  3. Always Carry a Drink Bottle
    You’ll be more likely to drink water when it is readily available. If water is easily accessible, aim to fill your 800ml drink bottle every hour. To reduce constant refilling, an insulated cooler is a great option. The ESKY Ice King Cooler comes in 2.5L, 5L or 10L and will ensure you have cool refreshing water during the day.
  4. Wear a Hydration Backpack
    If refill facilities are not accessible or mobility is an issue, a hydration backpack is great for hands free hydration. The CAMELBAK Hydration Backpack holds 2L, comes in hi-vis and will keep your fluid cool for hours.
  5. Limit Your Caffeine Intake
    Limit your caffeine consumption before and during your shift (including coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks). Caffeine has a diuretic effect which increases water loss and increase your level of dehydration.
  6. Avoid Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
    Alcohol is a diuretic and over consumption can cause severe dehydration. If you consume alcohol 24 hours before your shift you may not recover and this can dramatically increase your dehydration levels.
  7. Drink an electrolyte drink
    Dehydration through heavy sweating can cause considerable electrolyte loss, causing your fluid level to be off and out of balance. An electrolyte drink will replenish lost electrolytes quickly and keep you performing at your peak. SQWINCHER Qwik Stiks contain a balance of sodium, potassium and other key electrolytes. It is important not to take salt tablets.
  8. Working Smarter
    Ensure adequate work-rest cycles are in place is a great solution to reduce dehydration levels. This may include arranging for more workers to do the job, doing the work at a different location, providing extra rest breaks in a cool area or rescheduling work so that heavy work and hot tasks are performed during the cooler part of the day.
  9. Clothing Protection
    Lightweight clothing made from organic materials, such as cotton, breath better and allow for airflow whereas synthetic fibres trap heat, increasing the possibility of heat stress.
  10. Accessories
    There’s a wide range of cooling accessories that will help decrease your dehydration levels and allow you to perform well in the heat. The MASTER Canvas hard hat brims with neck flaps offer excellent sun protection, while the CHILL-ITS® Cooling Jackets, Bandanas and Neck Ties are a great solution to keep cool in harsh heat conditions.

We have a variety of hydration solutions to prevent dehydration and reduce heat stress in your workplace, including coolers, electrolyte powder & concentrates, ice pops, cooling jackets, bandannas, clothing, sunscreen & more, and all from the trusted brands like Sqwincher®, Camelbak®, Esky, Master and more.

Download your 10 Tip Checklist for your next toolbox meeting.

And remember, if heat is identified as a safety hazard in your workplace, please implement the hierarchy of control for heat illness management.

Hydration

Brands we supply

More brands
Shopping Cart
0.00 Units: $0.00