Keep Your Workforce Hydrated
One of the most important and often overlooked factors affecting workplace performance these days is a lack of hydration among employees. As a result, many are prone to impaired concentration levels which can result in the occurrence of workplace accidents. The easiest way to assist employees with regarding to drinking sufficient amounts of water during the day is to place water dispensers at strategic points throughout the workplace.
Especially Important to those Performing Physical Tasks
While drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is recommended for optimal health, those who are engaged in heavy physical duties such as construction may require close to double this amount in order to prevent the onset of dehydration. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has actually recommended that workers who are required to wear restrictive safety gear or who perform most of their work outdoors should be drinking approximately 250ml of water every 20 minutes or so. This is especially important if outdoor conditions are warmer than usual.
Prevent Potential Workplace Accidents
Approximately 80% of the body is comprised of water which is why it is crucial to ensure that staff members have easy access to this refreshment during the day. If a person's level of hydration falls by even 2%, it can lead to conditions such as impaired concentration, headaches and lethargy. While these conditions in themselves may not be life-threatening, the potential consequences thereof may be. If a construction worker is suffering from impaired concentration, it will affect his performance which can lead to serious injury or even death.
Using Water Dispensers to Encourage Hydration
These days, there is a wide range of portable water dispensers for employers to choose from. This means that workers who perform their duties outdoors or in other unusual locations are now able to have access to chilled water throughout the day. It is also an excellent idea to install water dispensers at strategic locations around office building, as workers who are exposed to air conditioning on a daily basis suffer from the effects of dehydration without realising it. Ensuring that staff members have free access to water during the day will lead to all-round improved levels of productivity.
Inform Workers of the Risks Associated with Dehydration
Although placing water dispensers in workplaces is an excellent idea, it is necessary to inform workers of the benefits associated with hydration. Educating them of the risks associated with not drinking enough water will help ensure that they make use of newly installed water dispensers, regardless of the type of work they do.