Staying Hydrated

 We all know how hot it can get working in a shop environment over the next few months. Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke (also known as sun stroke). As your body works to cool itself under extreme or prolonged heat, blood rushes to the surface of your skin. As a result, less blood reaches your brain, muscles, and other organs. This can interfere with both your physical strength and your mental capacity, leading, in some cases, to serious danger and injury.

Most heat-related illnesses can be prevented by avoiding dehydration in hot environments. When you are working, try and remember to drink lots of water to keep yourself properly hydrated. Everyone knows where sinks and/or drinking fountains are located in their workplace. Also, try and keep a water bottle with you at your work station to ensure you are not going too long without hydrating your body. When it gets hot, it is very important that we try and keep a close eye on each other to try and spot any irregularities in our co-workers behavior due to dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

Some jobs can be very dangerous in even the most comfortable environments.  These jobs can be made much more dangerous when we aren’t thinking properly due to discomfort in the heat. Try to remember not to lose focus on your safety and the safety of those around you.