As a construction business owner, you have a lot on your plate. Along with scheduling the delivery of essential supplies like ready mix concrete and maintaining work equipment, you must also take care of your workers. During the summer, that means preventing dehydration, which can have a major impact on health and wellness. This guide explains what to look for and what you can do to avoid health issues. 

What Happens When a Person Is Dehydrated

Your body is constantly using fluids to perform vital functions, from maintaining a reasonable temperature to ensuring proper digestion. When your body uses up all its fluids without replenishing them, dehydration occurs. On a construction site, dehydration impedes productivity. However, it can also have more serious effects if your team isn't careful. 

Immediate signs of dehydration include disorientation, dizziness, extreme thirst, decreased urination, and fatigue. If medical attention is not sought, workers are at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which means body temperatures continue to rise, but you're not able to cool down effectively. 

What You Can Do to Keep Workers Properly Hydrated

Being aware of the signs of dehydration allows you to call for immediate medical assistance should a problem arise. However, your team should know the importance of drinking plenty of water when working, especially in hot weather. 

Along with drinking water before and after the workday, construction workers should also drink eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes while working. Make sure your team has access to water as needed, and encourage them to take short breaks during the day. You can distribute travel bottles to staff and set up water stations around the worksite or keep lots of bottled water on hand. 

Staff must also dress the part when temperatures are high. Light-colored clothing is best, as it reflects UV rays. Materials should also be loose and breathable, which allows the proper flow of air over the skin. 

Weeks Sand & Concrete is more than just a provider of ready mix concrete in Cameron, NC. They also care about the well-being of their customers, which is why they go above and beyond when providing service. This has much to do with the fact that they're a locally owned and operated company, which means their customers are also their friends and neighbors. Call (919) 499-4272 to learn more about their selection of ready mix concrete and other materials. Visit the website for more information on their services.