Kevin Lindley, Safety Consultant, FRSA Self Insurer’s Fund
With temperatures rising and the humidity that comes with most days, it’s important that your employees stay well hydrated before, during and after work hours. OSHA regulations, section 29 CFR 1926.51(a) states “An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all places of employment.”
While OSHA requires employers to provide their employees with water, many contractors also provide electrolyte enhancement powders or drinks for their workers in the field during the summer months. While this is an additional expense to the employer, it may have several benefits to the individual that could equate to benefits for the employer as well.
Electrolytes are minerals that produce ions when dissolved in a solution. There are seven primary minerals that are commonly referred to as electrolytes: sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, chloride and bicarbonate. These minerals produce either a positive or negative electrical charge in the body and they work in cells to expel waste and produce energy.
Your body needs water, not just electrolyte fluids such as Gatorade or Powerade. The amount of water an individual needs to intake per day is based on body weight, environmental temperature and physical activity level. So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.
Roofing in Florida, where temperatures are higher than average, with increased physical activity and an individual’s weight to consider, it may be necessary for more water to be consumed throughout the day. Not having enough water or losing more than an individual is taking in, will cause dehydration that will rapidly deteriorate normal skills, reduce endurance and impair
concentration. Lack of water will also cause workers to be less productive, unorganized, more likely to make mistakes and potentially place themselves in danger of being injured on the job. Adding electrolyte-enhanced fluids may allow employees to recover quicker and may assist their body from experiencing the symptoms brought on by dehydration.
According to research, some of the biggest benefits of electrolytes include:
■ Enhanced performance
■ Promotes sleep
■ Strengthens immunity
■ Improves cognition
■ Reduces stress and anxiety
■ Stabilizes blood sugar
■ Supports heart health
■ Strengthens muscles and bones.
While there are many benefits to electrolytes, the body still needs water and it is possible for a worker to intake too many electrolytes, which can be almost as damaging as too few electrolytes. For this reason, employers who provide electrolyte enhancements should avoid making this the only type of fluid available for workers. Employers can limit the supply of the electrolyte additive or provide two separate kegs clearly identified or labeled as “drinking water” and “electrolyte enhanced fluid” for each work location.
You should also encourage employees to avoid alcohol, caffeine, soda or sugar-sweetened beverages because these can dehydrate you even more.
While the decision to provide electrolyte enhancement for employees is at the discretion of the employer and not required by OSHA, there may be benefits to providing limited quantities to those working outside as long as directions are provided and employees understand that they must also have drinking water on the job and cannot use the enhanced electrolyte fluid as their sole source of hydration throughout the work day.
FRM
The FRSA Self Insurers Fund (FRSA-SIF) has professional safety consultants throughout the state who provide SIF members with safety training at no additional cost. To find out if you qualify for FRSA-SIF workers’ comp insurance, please contact Alexis at 800-767-3772, ext. 206 or email alexis@frsasif.com. To learn more about the FRSA Self Insurers Fund, please visit www.frsasif.com.
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