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Abstract
When performing physical work, sweat output often exceeds water intake, producing a body water deficit or dehydration. Specific to the work place, dehydration can adversely affect worker productivity, safety, and morale. Legislative bodies in North America such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommend replacing fluids frequently when exposed to heat stress, such as one cup (250 ml) every 20 minutes when working in warm environments. However, the majority of legislative guidelines provide vague guidance and none take into account the effects of work intensity, specific environments, or protective clothing. Improved occupational guidelines for fluid and electrolyte replacement during hot weather occupational activities should be developed to include recommendations for fluid consumption before, during, and after work.
Key teaching points:
• Total body water approximates ∼60% of body mass and normally varies by ±3%.
• Maintaining normal total body water (euhydration) is important, as deficits >2% of body mass can adversely impact on aerobic performance, orthostatic tolerance and cognitive function.
• Studies of occupational accidents report the lowest rates in cold months and highest rates in hot months when sweat losses would be greatest.
• Physical activity level, clothing / equipment and weather are important in determining fluid needs. Work places that are either in warm environments, involve high level of physical activity, or both will require greater fluid replacement.
• Measures of body weight and urine color are used in combination with the subjective sense of thirst, can help to provide an assessment of hydration state.
• Fluid replacement guidelines should take into account work intensity, environment and work-to-rest cycles.
Key teaching points:
• Total body water approximates ∼60% of body mass and normally varies by ±3%.
• Maintaining normal total body water (euhydration) is important, as deficits >2% of body mass can adversely impact on aerobic performance, orthostatic tolerance and cognitive function.
• Studies of occupational accidents report the lowest rates in cold months and highest rates in hot months when sweat losses would be greatest.
• Physical activity level, clothing / equipment and weather are important in determining fluid needs. Work places that are either in warm environments, involve high level of physical activity, or both will require greater fluid replacement.
• Measures of body weight and urine color are used in combination with the subjective sense of thirst, can help to provide an assessment of hydration state.
• Fluid replacement guidelines should take into account work intensity, environment and work-to-rest cycles.
The authors would like to thank Ms. Brett Ely and Mr. Daniel Goodman for their editorial assistance.
The views, opinions, and/or findings in this report are those of the authors and should not be construed as official Department of the Army position, policy, or decision unless so designated by other official designation. All experiments were carried out in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Notes
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: There are no conflicts of interest to declare in connection with this work.
Presented at the ILSI North America Conference on Hydration and Health Promotion, November 29–30, 2006 in Washington, DC.
