TT Talk: A zero-tolerance approach to worker dehydration

TT Talk: A zero-tolerance approach to worker dehydration

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Workers in ports, terminals and warehouses need to maintain a high degree of concentration to cope with the complex physical hazards of operating in a busy cargo-handling environment. But simply not drinking enough water can impair their mental abilities in a similar way as consuming alcohol, which may lead to accidents and injuries. Transport and logistics operators need to take the same zero-tolerance approach to worker dehydration as they do for consuming alcohol. 

Understanding dehydration

Dehydration is often associated with working in hot and or humid climate, where people can suffer a net loss of water due to sweating and heat stress. However, it can also happen in cooler and or wetter conditions while wearing hot and sweaty personal protective equipment. Understanding the critical role hydration plays in maintaining performance and ensuring safety is essential for both employers and employees. Water plays an important role in the function of the human body and, with 73% of our brains being water, it will come as no surprise that dehydration has a detrimental effect on our mental abilities. 

Dehydration can cause dizziness, light-headedness and impaired coordination, all of which increase the risk of accidents. For workers operating heavy machinery or performing tasks at height, these symptoms can be particularly dangerous. Research in China in 2019 confirmed that dehydration reduces short-term memory, attention span and reaction times, while a 2023 UK study found drivers who were not properly hydrated made the same number of errors as people with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% – the UK’s drink-drive limit. In a fast-paced cargo-handling environment, quick reaction times and effective decision making are essential to respond promptly to potential hazards. Slower reactions or impaired judgements due to dehydration could be the difference between a near-miss and a serious accident.  

Promoting worker hydration

Operators of ports, terminals and warehouses need to implement strategies that promote regular fluid intake among their workers, starting with providing easy access to clean drinking water. Installing water stations at convenient locations throughout the site can encourage workers to hydrate regularly, and providing water bottles will make it easier to carry water with them. Operators should also provide dehydration risk training, including the importance of staying hydrated, recognising the signs of dehydration and understanding the risks associated with it. Workers should be encouraged to drink water before, during and after their shifts, even if they do not feel thirsty. Incorporating regular hydration breaks into the work schedule can help ensure that workers take the time to drink water. 

These breaks can be aligned with other rest periods to minimise disruption to operations while promoting health and safety. Operators can also consider implementing measures to monitor workers' hydration levels, such as urine colour charts, hydration status assessments and wearable hydration monitors. These can help to identify workers who may be at risk of dehydration and provide targeted interventions. In addition to water, certain foods can contribute to hydration. Providing access to hydrating snacks such as fruits and vegetables can help workers maintain their fluid balance. Foods with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, can be particularly beneficial.

Conclusion

Keeping port, terminal and warehouse workers hydrated is essential for maintaining performance and ensuring safety. Dehydration can have serious consequences, affecting physical and cognitive functions and increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. By implementing strategies to promote regular hydration, operators can help to protect their workers' health, enhance productivity and create a safer working environment. 

Key Takeaways

  • Dehydration impairs cognitive performance, affecting memory, attention, and reaction time—posing serious safety risks in ports, terminals, and warehouses.
  • Mental and physical hazards overlap: symptoms like dizziness and slow coordination increase the risk of accidents, including falls from height and equipment mishandling.
  • Hydration is essential in all climates: even in cool or humid environments, wearing PPE can trigger fluid loss, making dehydration a year-round concern.
  • A structured hydration strategy can prevent incidents: best practices include installing water stations, offering reusable bottles, and scheduling regular hydration breaks.
  • Monitoring and nutrition support hydration: using urine colour charts, wearables, and hydrating snacks like watermelon or cucumber helps workers maintain fluid balance.
  • A zero-tolerance policy treats dehydration like alcohol misuse, reinforcing its critical role in workplace safety and operational reliability.