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646 Heat Injury and Illness Prevention: Supervisor Skip to main content

Hydration and Drinking Water

Employer Provided Water

Regular hydration is crucial to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries, especially in high-temperature environments. Here is why maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential:

Toolbox Talk: Hydration
  • Readily Available: Employers must ensure that cool, potable water is always accessible. Water stations should be strategically placed throughout the worksite, particularly near work and break areas.
  • Sufficient Quantity: There must be enough water to provide each worker with at least one quart (32 ounces) per hour. This ensures continuous hydration throughout the work shift.
  • Easy Access: Water stations should be clearly marked and easily accessible, encouraging workers to drink water frequently.
  • Regular Refills: Employers should regularly check and refill water stations to maintain a constant supply of drinking water.
Employers must ensure that cool, potable water is always accessible.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-4. How do regular refills of water stations benefit workers?