The Dangers of Construction Work and Dehydration

We all understand the vital role water plays in the body. About 60% of the body is made up of water. That signifies that most metabolic processes depend on it. Dehydration can risk facing adverse side effects.

The side effects can be more hazardous when the person is undergoing long-term dehydration. That’s why it’s crucial for those working in construction sites to be cautious about their body functionality. Construction work requires adequate concentration, and water plays a vital role in this.

How Does Dehydration Occur?

In most cases, dehydration occurs in most hot environments, such as construction sites. The chances of someone getting frequent dehydration are higher during the summer. Besides, a highly intense physical activity causes muscle contraction leading to higher heat production. The body has to lose heat to function properly [source].

This is achieved through perspiration. However, the body’s cooling mechanism malfunctions if perspiration stops. The dehydration process decreases brain-body tissue. As a result, the brain decreases in volume leading to lower brain performance. Brain performance determines productivity; reduced brain performance decreases productivity.

Impact of Dehydration in Construction Site

While dehydration remains a crucial issue in the workplace, most employers do not like discussing it. They only show their concern during summertime. However, during winter, the news is no different as most workers are always in heavy clothes. The more protective layers workers have to wear on the job, the more likely they are to start perspiring.

Their body starts sweating, forcing them to take off extra layers. The fact is that sweat evaporates first during the cold than the warm periods. As a result, they lose the water in their body, leading to dehydration. When such happens, they tend to relax at work, negatively impacting productivity.

Here Are What Employers Can Do To Reduce Dehydration in Their Workers

Employers should employ the following steps to reduce dehydration in their construction workers. Some employers find it hard to control this within their staff. Here are the steps to implement:

• Support workers
• Information is key
• Reward program

Support Workers

A contractor that expects maximum performance from their workers should invest in better products that benefit them. For instance, they can buy employees water bottles and give them out while on duty. That way, they will encourage them to deliver their best performance and work with little worry of dehydration. They will be comfortable and able to focus on the task at hand.

Information Is Key

Contractors may assume that their workers understand the importance of hydration. However, they may suspect dehydration but continue to work. That’s why contractors need to enlighten their workers on the importance of adequate water intake.

They can share hydration tips during safety seminars and training. Additionally, the contractors can develop educational materials that inform their workers about the effects of being dehydrated. They can advise workers to keep water bottles in their pockets or any other place that is easily accessible.

Reward Program

To encourage workers on hydrating, the contractor can introduce a reward program. They can make it useful by instilling an effective tracking system. That will inform them on how consistent the workers have been following the hydration guidelines.

It’s essential for every worker in construction to ensure their employers take hydration seriously. This is just one way to reduce the chances of workplace accidents. They can also consider hiring a lawyer or check on various sites to ensure health and safety guidelines are being followed (source: https://www.kryderlaw.com/areas-we-serve/chicago-il/construction-accident-lawyer/). This is critical, especially if they realize that their employers don’t take hydration seriously. It may lead to serious complications and other health issues.

 

Mark Scott
With a law degree under his belt and years of experience, Mark Scott set off to make the law more accessible to all. He decided to help people lost in the maze of legal terminology to find their way. Mark writes clear and concise pieces and gives simple advice that is easy to follow. On account of positive feedback from readers, he decided to dedicate more of his time to this goal and became a legal columnist. In his writings, Mark covers a wide array of topics, like how to seek legal counsel, or how to deal with different procedures. Furthermore, he directs his readers toward other trustworthy resources for more in-depth information.