Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week
The Importance of Hydration
With the warm summer months just around the corner, understanding and recognizing the importance of hydration is important.
Facts about Hydration!
- 75% of people are chronically dehydrated
- 37% of people mistake the weak thirst mechanism for hunger
- Mild dehydration can slow down your metabolism as much as 3%
- One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100%
- Lack of water is the number 1 trigger of day time fatigue
- Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day is capable of easing back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers
- Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, reduce risk of breast cancer by 79%, and 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer
- You are less likely to develop bladder infections if you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
Dehydration at Work
When you are dehydrated at work, accidents may occur due to fatigue, confusion, nausea and other debilitating symptoms. For your safety, as well as the safety and well being of your co-workers, stay hydrated. Drink water.
Causes of Dehydration
The most common causes of dehydration include:
- Blood loss
- Vomiting
- Malnutrition
- Diarrhea
- Not drinking enough water
- There is a reason your doctor tells you to drink lots of fluids when you are ill. When you are sick, an increased body temperature and sweating occur, which can trigger dehydration. You sweat to expel toxins in your system.
Treatment for Dehydration
- In order to combat dehydration – which is the removal of water from a subject – rehydration must occur.
- Electrolytes like sodium and potassium salts found in drinks like Gatorade help to rehydrate. Slowly replenish fluids by drinking slowly.
- When symptoms subside, follow up with a small salty snack or light meal.
- If severe symptoms occur, receive immediate medical attention.
- In order to prevent dehydration, be sure to drink lots of water, not juice or soda. When you are thirsty, you are starting to dehydrate. Drink enough so you do not become thirsty
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
The most common signs of mild dehydration include:
- Thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Dry skin
- Skin flushing
- Dark coloured urine
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue or Weakness
- Chills
- Head Rushes
If dehydration continues, other symptoms arise, including:
- Increased heart rate, respiration, and body temperature
- Decreased sweating and urination
- Extreme fatigue and muscle gramps
- Tingling of the limbs
- Nausea
- Headaches
Severe signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- Muscle spasms
- Vomiting and painful urination
- Racing pulse and dim vision
- Shriveled skin
- Confusion and seizures
- Difficulty breathing and unconsciousness
- Chest and abdominal pain
From the Courts
A Concord company that employs people who work at a concrete plant operated by Toronto Redi-Mix was fined $60,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was seriously injured.
On May 19, 2009, a worker employed by 614949 Ontario Limited was working at a Concord plant owned by Toronto Redi-Mix. The worker, who was removing debris from the frame of a conveyor, slipped and fell. The worker's hand and arm became entangled between the conveyor belt and a roller, which caused severe arm and shoulder injuries.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the conveyor had exposed moving parts, which were improperly guarded. Also, the worker had not locked out the conveyor before starting to work on it.
The Company was fined $60,000 for failing to ensure that a conveyer was suitably guarded.
In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
