Hydrate Your Human Hydraulics:

Tips on Keeping You and Your Workforce Cool

Summer's in full swing. That means lots of construction and maintenance.

Heat-related power issues, new construction projects starting up, repairs needed thanks to chaotic Southern weather – the list goes on.

All that also means tons of workers out there doing all that work. And they're doing it in some hellish heat. We all know what happens when heavy equipment overheats, but what about you?

Heat-related injury isn't something that gets a lot of coverage. It's just expected in places with high temps. But that mindset can lead to serious damage – to finances and human lives. 

What is a Heat Stroke?

A heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is a severe medical condition that occurs when the body's temperature regulation system becomes overstressed in the heat, leading to an elevated body temperature. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to high temps, particularly in high humidity, and inadequate fluid intake.

The Cost of Heat

Pushing too hard in the heat leads to sky-high numbers of emergencies every year.

In the U.S., roughly 700 people die annually due to heat-related injuries. Nearly 70,000 people end up in the emergency room for these events. Of those patients, over 9,000 require extended hospital stays.

The average hospitalization for heat stroke lasts two days. Those two days can rack up a near-$20,000 price tag, not to mention the slowdown at job sites due to missing workers – workers who still won't be anywhere near 100% well after being discharged.

A heat stroke victim can sustain organ injuries to the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. They may have prolonged weakness from heat-damaged muscles. They may become heat-intolerant. And all of that may last months OR even be permanent.

Heat Stroke Signs

It's important to know when someone is experiencing a heat stroke, not just heat exhaustion.

Signs of a heat stroke are:

• High body temp: The body temperature can reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher.
• Altered mental state: Heat stroke victims may experience confusion, nausea, extreme headaches, irritability, delirium, or even seizures.
• Hot, dry skin: A person may feel hot and dry, and sweating is halted (not enough water in the body to generate sweat).
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing: Heart rate and breathing may increase significantly as the person goes into shock.
• Weakness: The person's muscles may weaken or seize due to electrolyte imbalance.
• Fainting: In severe cases, heat stroke can lead to loss of consciousness.

What to Do

We are the first to admit that we are not doctors, but if someone experiences a heat stroke, it is crucial to take these actions immediately:

• Call for emergency medical assistance: Notify the closest emergency center right away. Heat stroke is a serious condition that REQUIRES professional medical attention.
• Get them cool: Move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area to help lower their body temperature.
• Remove excess clothing: Loosen or remove any unnecessary clothing to cool the person down faster.
• Cold water: Apply cool water (damp cloths, rags, sponges, etc.) or ice packs to the skin. Focus on areas with blood vessels close to the skin's surface – the neck, armpits, groin, and wrists.
• Fan the person: Create airflow after wetting the person down. This speeds up the evaporation process and promotes cooling.
• Hydrate: If the person is conscious, give them cool water or a sports drink. DO NOT give them alcohol or caffeine – these drinks actually worsen dehydration.
• Monitor vitals: Keep a close eye on the person's breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness so you can update medical professionals when they arrive.

Prevention. Prevention. Prevention.

Hydraulics – the very business we are in is defined as “the science that deals with the laws governing water or other liquids in motion and their applications in engineering, practical or applied hydrodynamics.” In a sense, our business is to make sure your machines are properly hydrated. The same applies to the human machine.

The best way to overcome a problem is to avoid running into that problem in the first place. Follow these guidelines to avoid heat-related injuries altogether:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is best, but sports drinks are an OK alternative.
• Take breaks: Designate shaded areas and schedule frequent breaks to cool down. Use this time to hydrate and recover from heat exposure.
• Fashion choice: Lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting clothing is where it's at. Light-colored clothing also stays cooler than darker tones. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses also help.
• Work schedule: Deadlines don't always allow for it, but try to schedule physically demanding tasks during cooler parts of the day – early morning or late afternoon. Avoid the hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Train workers: Workers who see the signs can save lives. Create training programs to recognize symptoms and promote hydration. Make it clear that it is OK to report signs of heat stroke.
• Establish an Emergency Response Plan: Create (and practice!!!) a heat stroke protocol, and have access to first aid supplies and emergency contact information for all workers.

Stay Safe

When it comes to fixing up your hydraulic cylinders, we've got every Ph.D. out there.

But we can't do much about helping you or your workforce through the summer heat. Be aware of the dangers, be diligent in your preparation to handle the sun, and be ready to get medical aid if some experiences heat-related injuries ASAP.

When it comes to hydrating your machines? We’re the experts.