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Drink Right for the Heat

Hundreds of people die each year from heat-related illnesses. But heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat stress can be prevented with common sense and proper rehydration.

Drinking large amounts of cool water is the accepted safety measure to ward off heat-related illnesses, but even nature’s perfect drink cannot quickly replace vital minerals lost through perspiration and other forms of dehydration. As the body’s electrolytes are lost, muscle cells lose fluid, weakening muscle tissue. Fatigue, cramping, poor judgment calls and heat exhaustion, in some cases leading to heat stroke, are possible.

Water does not adequately replace electrolytes necessary for maintaining proper body functions. Electrolyte replacement products (such as Gatorade and Powerade, as well as other drinks and tablets sold at specialty stores and over the Internet) are absorbed 98 percent faster than water in the first minute. Time can be the most critical factor in keeping workers safe from heat-related illnesses.

Source: 2004 Occupational Safety and Health

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Safety Poster

July/August 2004 IBEW Journal