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Hydration at the Work Site

US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts

Address reprint requests to: R. W. Kenefick, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 42 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760. E-mail: Robert.Kenefick{at}us.army.mil

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 words: hydration, health, occupational safety, fluid replacement