The hazard
Your body loses water all day through sweat and breathing, even when you do not notice it. When you fall behind, you get tired, dizzy and slow, and a tired, dizzy worker is more likely to slip, fall or make a mistake with a tool. In hot weather, dehydration also raises the risk of serious heat illness.
The action
Portable drinking water containers must close tightly and have a tap, and nobody dips a cup or bottle into the cooler. Do not share cups. Use single-use cups or your own bottle, and keep the cooler out of dirty or dusty areas. (29 CFR 1926.51(a)(2))
ASK THE CREW
Who refills the coolers, and what do we do if they run dry?
Takeaway: Drink water early and often, keep it clean and close to the work, and speak up when you or a coworker starts showing signs.