Even though there are laws in place to ensure that employees have access to drinking water throughout the day, too many employers are still overlooking this factor, not realising that it could lead to dehydration.

What many bosses do not realise is that dehydration is not something small; it can lead to a whole host of problems, including fatigue, impaired concentration levels and lack of coordination, which could result in workplace errors or even accidents.

As a boss, it is vital that you ensure that all your employees have easy access to good quality drinking water at all times, no matter where they work. It is also important that both day and night-shift workers have this access, as dehydration does not only occur in hot sunny weather.

Everyone needs to drink water according to their own particular circumstances, which include age, gender, physicality, lifestyle, general health, and geographical location. In other words, someone working outside in the hot sun all day will need more water that someone working in a cool office as they are losing more water via sweat, but both need to drink water.

Individuals engaged in rigorous physical activity and those who are required to wear restrictive safety gear and work outdoors should be drinking at least 250ml of water every 30 minutes or so. Individuals working at a desk may need to only drink water hourly or two-hourly, more so if it is hot weather.

A mere 2% drop in one’s body-fluid level can lead to headaches, impaired concentration, fatigue, and lethargy. Dehydration also makes it more difficult to do even simple mathematical calculations. Personnel who operate heavy machinery or have to perform involved calculations can easily make mistakes that could cost the company loads of money or, even worse, lead to injury or even death.

One of the best ways ensuring your workforce stays hydrated at all times is to invest in a water cooler. Mains water coolers are best for medium to large businesses, but there are also bottled water coolers which would be better in some areas.

Contact Living-Water for a free needs assessment and quote.