Heat related stress is a harsh reality in the industrial field. As summer approaches and the temperatures slowly rise, heat-related dangers increase exponentially. Though the ingestion of larger amounts of water may seem like a given, many companies are combining obvious safety measures – ventilation, shielding, equipment modifications and protective clothing – with a strict regimen of electrolyte replacement drinks. Can it work for your company? Most definitely.
Heat Stress. The Enemy.
Temperature, humidity, radiant heat (such as from the sun or a furnace) and air velocity are four environmental factors that affect the amount of stress an individual faces in a hot work area. The body reacts to high external temperatures by circulating blood to the skin, which increases epidermal temperature and allows the body to give off excess heat through the skin. However, if the muscles are being used for physical labor, less blood is available to flow to the skin and release the heat. Sweating is another method the body uses to maintain a stable internal body temperature in the face of heat. However, sweating is effective only if the humidity level is low enough to permit evaporation, and if lost fluids and salts are adequately replaced. If the body cannot dispose of excess heat, it will store it. When this happens, the body’ s core temperature rises, the heart rate increases and if necessary precautions are not taken, a number of traumatic events can occur. Individuals begin to lose concentration and have difficulty focusing on their tasks, they may become irritable or sick and often lose the desire to drink. The next stage is most often fainting, and death is even possible if the person is not removed from the heat-induced situation.
The Electrolyte Replacement Regimen
Electrolytes can appear in two forms: simple inorganic salts of magnesium, potassium, sodium or calcium, or complex organic molecules. Under ideal situations, electrolytes flow through muscle cells to keep them functioning normally. However, in heat-stress situations, these precious minerals are lost through perspiration or other forms of dehydration, which depletes muscle cells of fluids and weakens muscle tissue. While drinking water adequately rehydrates the body, it does not effectively and quickly replace the electrolytes needed to keep the body functioning properly.
Today, many companies have gone beyond keeping cool liquids and water on hand for employees to drink – they have turned to the proven rejuvenating power of electrolyte replacement drinks.
Ernest Brown, plant personnel supervisor for Gulf States Manufacturers, is quick to praise the use of electrolyte replacement products.
“In the summertime our plant is an extremely hot environment. We always had water fountains located throughout the plant and encouraged our workers to drink plenty. Many even relied on salt tablets, but in the last several years, OSHA stopped recommending their use. After reviewing our options, we decided to go with an electrolyte replacement drink to help fight heat stress,” Brown explained.
“Last year was the second year we used this type of drink, and it has worked very well for us. In addition to preventing dangerous heat-related injuries, it mainly keeps our workers from having cramps, and it increases productivity. It really helps the workers perform their best in extremely hot weather and from a safety standpoint, it makes perfect sense,” Brown added.
Jeff Diamond, tank wash manager of Schneider Bulk Carriers concurred.
“Outside the office in my spare time, I race mountain bikes semi-professionally,” Diamond explained, “and I’ve experienced first-hand what the rapid loss of electrolytes can do to my performance. I certainly don’t want that to happen to my employees when they’re on the job. That’s why we encourage workers in heat-stress situations to take regular breaks and refuel with a cool electrolyte replacement drink. I’ve noticed that it not only keeps productivity from declining, but also improves concentration and has definitely reduced careless injuries, such as slips and falls, that could normally be attributed to the heat.”
In some instances, changes in the work environment caused increased temperatures that spurred management to seek the help of electrolyte replacement alternatives. John Rudd, MRO purchaser for The Thermos Company in Batesville, Mississippi is an example.
“Our company manufactures school lunch boxes and most of our employees work in a non air-conditioned facility that’s pretty hot and humid. Even though most of our employees are performing repetitive production-assembly work that’s not really strenuous, it doesn’t take much to become overheated, even with the fans on,” Rudd stated.
“When we added new machinery and put in more assembly lines, the confined areas restricted airflow and made it even warmer, especially in the summer months,” Rudd explained.
It was soon after that the company first began using electrolyte replacements – a practice they have kept up for about three years and aren’t about to quit.
“Some of the workers actually approached the safety committee captain and asked for them to supply electrolyte replacements to the employees who were bringing some of their own drinks to work,” said Rudd. “First, the people in maintenance wanted some, then the guys on the line. Now, most everybody is drinking it. As a safety precaution, they decided to go to an electrolyte replacement drink.”
Electrolyte Replacement Drinks vs. Water
While water still reigns as Mother Nature’s perfect drink, H2O takes a back seat to electrolyte replacement beverages in high-heat situations. Research shows that water is absorbed much more slowly and cannot be retained in the extra-cellular cavity. In fact, the rate of absorption of electrolyte replacement products as compared with water is 98% faster in the first minute.
In addition, at the onset of heat stress, many individuals actually experience a marked decrease in their bodys natural thirst mechanism, causing them to drink less.
“Like most companies, we used to keep plenty of water around for everyone to drink,” explained Diamond, “but one of the main reasons I’ve turned to providing my crew with electrolyte replacements is that my guys just plain like the taste. The more they like the taste, the more likely they are to drink it.”
John Rudd agreed. “If you don’t replace electrolytes, you lose energy and at worst, heat stroke can occur. Workers seem to like the taste and they drink more of it. Basically, that’s one of the main reasons why we choose to use electrolyte replacements instead of water.”
Improving Morale, One Cup at a Time
In addition to increased productivity, reduced injuries and the virtual elimination of heat-stress, many companies have found that providing good-tasting electrolyte replacement drinks has actually boosted workers morale.
“From a personnel standpoint,” stated Brown, “it’s not something we had to do. We just put it out there at no cost for the workers’ benefit. The response was great. In fact, several of the workers actually came by here and told me how much they appreciated it. When you look at it that way, it’s really a low-cost benefit that our company enjoys providing.”
The Thermos Company even supplies employees with their own individual packets so they can mix their drinks to taste. “We also liked the idea of having an option to provide workers with a tamper-resistant Fast Pack that they can just tear open, add water and drink wherever they happen to be,” Rudd explained.
“My employees have come to expect the drinks to be there, so I wouldn’t say they’re so much of a morale booster. However, when someone is not thirsty and their energy level is up, they tend to be in a much happier mood, which ultimately makes for a better work environment,” Diamond stated.
Add Electrolyte Replacements to Your Arsenal
On average, 175 Americans die of heat-related injuries each year – that’s more than tornadoes and hurricanes. It’s a tragic figure considering prevention can be relatively easy. While many companies in the industrial market spend thousands of dollars on heat-reducing clothing and equipment, electrolyte replacement drinks
provide the most cost-effective prevention. At an average cost of pennies per ounce, these revitalizing liquids not only reduce heat-stress and heat-related injuries, but also increase productivity and promote a more pleasant work environment. In the long run, adding electrolyte replacement drinks to your heat-stress prevention arsenal could be a wise investment. n
About the Author
Jeff English is senior copywriter and project manager at XFORCE, Inc., a communications firm in Baton Rouge, LA. A graduate of Louisiana State University in Advertising, English has over twelve years experience in the industry and has worked on a variety of regional and national accounts such as NAPA Auto Parts, McDonald's Restaurants, Bank One and The Sqwincher Corporation. English can be reached via e-mail at jeff@xforce.tv
Heat Stress. The Enemy.
Temperature, humidity, radiant heat (such as from the sun or a furnace) and air velocity are four environmental factors that affect the amount of stress an individual faces in a hot work area. The body reacts to high external temperatures by circulating blood to the skin, which increases epidermal temperature and allows the body to give off excess heat through the skin. However, if the muscles are being used for physical labor, less blood is available to flow to the skin and release the heat. Sweating is another method the body uses to maintain a stable internal body temperature in the face of heat. However, sweating is effective only if the humidity level is low enough to permit evaporation, and if lost fluids and salts are adequately replaced. If the body cannot dispose of excess heat, it will store it. When this happens, the body’ s core temperature rises, the heart rate increases and if necessary precautions are not taken, a number of traumatic events can occur. Individuals begin to lose concentration and have difficulty focusing on their tasks, they may become irritable or sick and often lose the desire to drink. The next stage is most often fainting, and death is even possible if the person is not removed from the heat-induced situation.
The Electrolyte Replacement Regimen
Electrolytes can appear in two forms: simple inorganic salts of magnesium, potassium, sodium or calcium, or complex organic molecules. Under ideal situations, electrolytes flow through muscle cells to keep them functioning normally. However, in heat-stress situations, these precious minerals are lost through perspiration or other forms of dehydration, which depletes muscle cells of fluids and weakens muscle tissue. While drinking water adequately rehydrates the body, it does not effectively and quickly replace the electrolytes needed to keep the body functioning properly.
Today, many companies have gone beyond keeping cool liquids and water on hand for employees to drink – they have turned to the proven rejuvenating power of electrolyte replacement drinks.
Ernest Brown, plant personnel supervisor for Gulf States Manufacturers, is quick to praise the use of electrolyte replacement products.
“In the summertime our plant is an extremely hot environment. We always had water fountains located throughout the plant and encouraged our workers to drink plenty. Many even relied on salt tablets, but in the last several years, OSHA stopped recommending their use. After reviewing our options, we decided to go with an electrolyte replacement drink to help fight heat stress,” Brown explained.
“Last year was the second year we used this type of drink, and it has worked very well for us. In addition to preventing dangerous heat-related injuries, it mainly keeps our workers from having cramps, and it increases productivity. It really helps the workers perform their best in extremely hot weather and from a safety standpoint, it makes perfect sense,” Brown added.
Jeff Diamond, tank wash manager of Schneider Bulk Carriers concurred.
“Outside the office in my spare time, I race mountain bikes semi-professionally,” Diamond explained, “and I’ve experienced first-hand what the rapid loss of electrolytes can do to my performance. I certainly don’t want that to happen to my employees when they’re on the job. That’s why we encourage workers in heat-stress situations to take regular breaks and refuel with a cool electrolyte replacement drink. I’ve noticed that it not only keeps productivity from declining, but also improves concentration and has definitely reduced careless injuries, such as slips and falls, that could normally be attributed to the heat.”
In some instances, changes in the work environment caused increased temperatures that spurred management to seek the help of electrolyte replacement alternatives. John Rudd, MRO purchaser for The Thermos Company in Batesville, Mississippi is an example.
“Our company manufactures school lunch boxes and most of our employees work in a non air-conditioned facility that’s pretty hot and humid. Even though most of our employees are performing repetitive production-assembly work that’s not really strenuous, it doesn’t take much to become overheated, even with the fans on,” Rudd stated.
“When we added new machinery and put in more assembly lines, the confined areas restricted airflow and made it even warmer, especially in the summer months,” Rudd explained.
It was soon after that the company first began using electrolyte replacements – a practice they have kept up for about three years and aren’t about to quit.
“Some of the workers actually approached the safety committee captain and asked for them to supply electrolyte replacements to the employees who were bringing some of their own drinks to work,” said Rudd. “First, the people in maintenance wanted some, then the guys on the line. Now, most everybody is drinking it. As a safety precaution, they decided to go to an electrolyte replacement drink.”
Electrolyte Replacement Drinks vs. Water
While water still reigns as Mother Nature’s perfect drink, H2O takes a back seat to electrolyte replacement beverages in high-heat situations. Research shows that water is absorbed much more slowly and cannot be retained in the extra-cellular cavity. In fact, the rate of absorption of electrolyte replacement products as compared with water is 98% faster in the first minute.
In addition, at the onset of heat stress, many individuals actually experience a marked decrease in their bodys natural thirst mechanism, causing them to drink less.
“Like most companies, we used to keep plenty of water around for everyone to drink,” explained Diamond, “but one of the main reasons I’ve turned to providing my crew with electrolyte replacements is that my guys just plain like the taste. The more they like the taste, the more likely they are to drink it.”
John Rudd agreed. “If you don’t replace electrolytes, you lose energy and at worst, heat stroke can occur. Workers seem to like the taste and they drink more of it. Basically, that’s one of the main reasons why we choose to use electrolyte replacements instead of water.”
Improving Morale, One Cup at a Time
In addition to increased productivity, reduced injuries and the virtual elimination of heat-stress, many companies have found that providing good-tasting electrolyte replacement drinks has actually boosted workers morale.
“From a personnel standpoint,” stated Brown, “it’s not something we had to do. We just put it out there at no cost for the workers’ benefit. The response was great. In fact, several of the workers actually came by here and told me how much they appreciated it. When you look at it that way, it’s really a low-cost benefit that our company enjoys providing.”
The Thermos Company even supplies employees with their own individual packets so they can mix their drinks to taste. “We also liked the idea of having an option to provide workers with a tamper-resistant Fast Pack that they can just tear open, add water and drink wherever they happen to be,” Rudd explained.
“My employees have come to expect the drinks to be there, so I wouldn’t say they’re so much of a morale booster. However, when someone is not thirsty and their energy level is up, they tend to be in a much happier mood, which ultimately makes for a better work environment,” Diamond stated.
Add Electrolyte Replacements to Your Arsenal
On average, 175 Americans die of heat-related injuries each year – that’s more than tornadoes and hurricanes. It’s a tragic figure considering prevention can be relatively easy. While many companies in the industrial market spend thousands of dollars on heat-reducing clothing and equipment, electrolyte replacement drinks
provide the most cost-effective prevention. At an average cost of pennies per ounce, these revitalizing liquids not only reduce heat-stress and heat-related injuries, but also increase productivity and promote a more pleasant work environment. In the long run, adding electrolyte replacement drinks to your heat-stress prevention arsenal could be a wise investment. n
About the Author
Jeff English is senior copywriter and project manager at XFORCE, Inc., a communications firm in Baton Rouge, LA. A graduate of Louisiana State University in Advertising, English has over twelve years experience in the industry and has worked on a variety of regional and national accounts such as NAPA Auto Parts, McDonald's Restaurants, Bank One and The Sqwincher Corporation. English can be reached via e-mail at jeff@xforce.tv
