A Hard Earned Thirst: Workplace Hydration and Attitudes Regarding Post-Shift Alcohol Consumption
Abstract
Industrial workers are often challenged by hydration issues, and may consume alcohol after a day at work. The consumption of alcohol in a dehydrated state could impose significant health and safety concerns for these individuals. In this study, the hydration status of 16 male industrial workers (age: 39 ᠸ years, mean ᠓D) was monitored by measuring urine specific gravity (Usg) over two consecutive days at work, prior to exploring attitudes, perceptions and practices towards alcohol consumption using a semi-structured telephone interview. Urine sample analysis indicated that 33% of workers were inadequately hydrated (Usg > ...
View more >Industrial workers are often challenged by hydration issues, and may consume alcohol after a day at work. The consumption of alcohol in a dehydrated state could impose significant health and safety concerns for these individuals. In this study, the hydration status of 16 male industrial workers (age: 39 ᠸ years, mean ᠓D) was monitored by measuring urine specific gravity (Usg) over two consecutive days at work, prior to exploring attitudes, perceptions and practices towards alcohol consumption using a semi-structured telephone interview. Urine sample analysis indicated that 33% of workers were inadequately hydrated (Usg > 1.020) at the beginning of the shift and 24% of workers were inadequately hydrated at the end of the shift on Day One. On Day Two, 41% of workers were inadequately hydrated at the beginning of the shift and 31% of workers at the end of the shift. The majority of workers believed alcohol consumption after work was acceptable, and indicated a lack of consideration for hydration levels prior to consuming alcohol. Further research is required in order to gain a better understanding of hydration in the workplace and workers attitudes and behaviours towards post-shift fluid consumption (including alcohol). This may assist with the development of appropriate public health campaigns highlighting the implications of alcohol consumption in situations where dehydration is anticipated.
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View more >Industrial workers are often challenged by hydration issues, and may consume alcohol after a day at work. The consumption of alcohol in a dehydrated state could impose significant health and safety concerns for these individuals. In this study, the hydration status of 16 male industrial workers (age: 39 ᠸ years, mean ᠓D) was monitored by measuring urine specific gravity (Usg) over two consecutive days at work, prior to exploring attitudes, perceptions and practices towards alcohol consumption using a semi-structured telephone interview. Urine sample analysis indicated that 33% of workers were inadequately hydrated (Usg > 1.020) at the beginning of the shift and 24% of workers were inadequately hydrated at the end of the shift on Day One. On Day Two, 41% of workers were inadequately hydrated at the beginning of the shift and 31% of workers at the end of the shift. The majority of workers believed alcohol consumption after work was acceptable, and indicated a lack of consideration for hydration levels prior to consuming alcohol. Further research is required in order to gain a better understanding of hydration in the workplace and workers attitudes and behaviours towards post-shift fluid consumption (including alcohol). This may assist with the development of appropriate public health campaigns highlighting the implications of alcohol consumption in situations where dehydration is anticipated.
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Journal Title
Journal of Health, Safety and Environment
Volume
29
Issue
1
Publisher URI
Copyright Statement
Self-archiving of the author-manuscript version is not yet supported by this journal. Please refer to the journal link for access to the definitive, published version or contact the authors for more information.
Subject
Human resources and industrial relations
Public health