Safety Column
It is for acclimation that you need to carefully consider your workload early in the summer. Now, there are other things you can do to help you navigate the heat and remain productive, but nothing works as well as a measured increase in activity, which allows your body to grow accustomed to the elevated temperatures. If operational demands and commitments do not permit acclimation, you must then rely on Rest, Hydration, and Shade.
Rest is something that should occur both before work and during the work day in the form of breaks using a conditioned or appropriate space to give your body sufficient relief from the additional strain, heat, and direct sun exposure placed on your body. This ensures that your body remains capable of delivering on the demands your work applies. Without sufficient rest, the window in which you can work shortens exponentially throughout the day.
Hydration is critical to optimizing the body’s performance during elevated temperatures. When hydrating, the primary mechanism is water. Caffeinated beverages should be limited or avoided altogether as they are diuretics. Diuretics increase the risk of severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and heat-related illnesses. Sports drinks are ok, but only in moderation. For every eight to 16 ounces of a sports drink you consume, you need to drink at least two times the same amount of water. What is wrong with just drinking an electrolyte and sodium drink? High-sodium, potassium, and electrolyte drinks are great for replenishing minerals lost through sweat, but on their own, they can lead to a buildup of those critical minerals and actually cause your system to dehydrate more quickly, cramp, or otherwise fail. It is for this reason that you need to double your water intake to replace minerals for optimal performance.
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