A Guide to Heat Safety Prevention for Employers and Employees

Heat is the leading cause of death among all weather-related phenomena. Despite this fact, about 11,000 heat deaths likely occurred in 2023 in the U.S., according to a study published early last year by Texas A&M’s Dessler and his colleague Jangho Lee. According to their methods, Lee said,? — this figure would represent a record since at least 1987 and is about five times the number reported on death certificates. (PBS)?

On July 22, 2023, Earth experienced the hottest day in recorded history, with a temperature of 17.15 degrees Celsius (62.87 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the record previously set.??

As temperatures continue to rise, the likelihood and rate of dehydration increase, posing significant risks to employee safety, productivity, and overall wellness.??

The Problem: Heat-Induced Dehydration Threatens Worker Safety and Efficiency?

Rising temperatures significantly exacerbate the risk of dehydration and heat illness.

60% of people start the day dehydrated and fail to rehydrate adequately throughout the day. ? ?

Heat illness can occur indoors or outdoors—and in any season. Employees may experience heat illness at temperatures much lower than heat advisories because physical labor increases heat stress. (EHS Today)? ?

Dehydration is a silent yet formidable threat. It reduces cognitive function and response times, leading to increased safety incidents on worksites. Productivity also takes a hit, with dehydrated workers being 10-12% less productive. This decline in performance not only affects the individual but can also have a cascading effect on overall team efficiency and output.??

Water is one of the most effective tools against heat illness, but ensuring consistent access to it can be a logistical nightmare. The traditional methods of transporting water around worksites, such as single-use bottled water or coolers, are not only cumbersome but also environmentally unsustainable.?

From the board room to the manufacturing floor, hydration is critical. However, the dynamic hydration needs of an employee population are often difficult to monitor. Employers face the challenge of balancing trust in their employees’ ability to manage their hydration with the responsibility of providing education, resources, and a work culture that promotes hydration, safety, and wellness.?

As an employer, it’s essential to create an environment that encourages and facilitates proper hydration. Current solutions, such as single-use bottled water, coolers, or reusable water bottles, often fall short in addressing the dynamic and continuous hydration needs of employees, especially in high-heat, labor-intensive environments.

Providing reliable and efficient hydration solutions is not just about convenience but a critical aspect of ensuring safety and maintaining productivity in the workplace.?

Essential Heat Safety Solutions for Employers

In addition to staying up to date with OSHA standards and recommendations...

1. Develop a Comprehensive Workplace Heat Safety Program?

Creating a detailed heat safety plan is crucial for preventing heat-related illnesses and ensuring employee well-being. Here are key steps to consider:?

• Create and Implement a Heat Safety Plan: Develop a thorough plan that includes strategies for preventing heat-related illnesses. Ensure it covers all aspects of heat safety.?
• Regular Updates and Communication: Keep the program up-to-date and communicate it effectively to all employees.??

2. Educate and Share Heat, Safety, and Hydration Tips?

Regular education and training on heat safety are essential for maintaining a safe workplace environment.?

• Conduct Training Sessions: Regularly train employees on the importance of hydration and how to recognize signs of dehydration and heat illness.?
• Distribute Informative Materials: Provide workers with materials and tips on staying hydrated and safe in high-heat environments.?

?3. Implement Third-Party Solutions That Prioritize Worker Wellness and Hydration?

Utilizing advanced hydration solutions can ensure consistent access to clean, cold water and significantly improve worker safety and productivity.?

• Advanced Hydration Solutions: Implement Kadeya’s closed-loop hydration stations to make hydration convenient and efficient. These stations digitize the hydration process, allowing workers to easily track their personal hydration goals and status. Employers can monitor team hydration levels in real-time, enabling them to call for timely rest and water breaks, ensuring optimal worker safety and productivity.?

• Hydration Monitoring Technology: Invest in technology like MX3 that regularly and easily measure employee hydration status and develop precise rehydration strategies to avoid heat-related issues and optimize production safely.?

By adopting these solutions, employers can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, enhance worker safety and productivity, and foster a healthier, more sustainable workplace environment.?

Conclusion??

Proper hydration is crucial for worker safety, wellness, and productivity. By offering smarter hydration solutions like Kadeya’s closed-loop systems, employers can ensure their workers stay hydrated, healthy, and efficient. This not only boosts employee morale and job satisfaction but also supports environmental and economic sustainability. For businesses interested in installing a Kadeya station at their worksite, visit kadeya.com to schedule a consultation and discover how you can bring Kadeya’s hydration solution to your workplace