Miami Workers Benefit From Innovative Hydration Testing to Combat Heat Hazards
In Miami, a new safety initiative is underway to protect workers from the dangerous effects of excessive heat. With temperatures often reaching hazardous levels, construction company Skanska is implementing the MX3 Hydration Testing System, designed to monitor and enhance employee hydration.
Who is Involved?
Skanska, a leading construction firm, is at the forefront of this effort, primarily through its Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department. Daimon Perez, the EHS director for Skanska’s Florida region, emphasizes the importance of addressing hydration issues among workers. With fatalities due to heat stress on the rise, the initiative aims to provide vital resources to combat this serious concern.
What is the Technology?
The MX3 Hydration Testing System, developed by Austin-based MX3 Diagnostics, is a cutting-edge tool that tests either sweat or saliva. It provides real-time feedback on hydration levels, informing workers how best to rehydrate. This technology is particularly essential for those working under the intense Miami sun, where proper hydration is critical for maintaining safety and performance.
Where and When is it Being Used?
Currently, Skanska has deployed three testing devices on job sites in Florida, utilizing them weekly. This pilot program serves as a vital component of Skanska’s holistic approach to keeping workers safe amid rising temperatures. Moreover, it has already seen success and positive feedback from employees.
Why is This Important?
The necessity for such innovative safety measures stems from alarming statistics. In 2022 alone, OSHA reported 43 worker fatalities attributed to heat exposure, a rise from 36 in 2021. Historically, between 2011 and 2022, 479 worker deaths were linked to environmental heat. The need for proactive measures is underscored by OSHA’s recognition that many heat-related injuries go unreported, making the actual numbers likely much higher.
Application and Benefits
The MX3 system utilizes test strips to assess hydration levels. Each device costs around $1,500 and can cover an entire job site. The results are linked to a mobile app that enables tracking of hydration data over time, emphasizing a culture of health and safety. As Jarrett Milligan, senior safety director at Skanska, notes, “We consider construction tradespeople to be professional athletes in our industry.”
In addition to hydration testing, Skanska has introduced several practical measures including cooling centers, hydration popicles, and an easy-to-understand flag system that notifies workers of heat risks on-site. A red flag indicates caution, while a black flag signifies that work should cease. This multifaceted approach cultivates an environment in which workers feel supported rather than monitored.
Future Plans
Given the positive reception, Skanska plans to expand the utilization of the MX3 Hydration Testing System. As Perez states, “This is helping you start to educate yourself and make sure you get properly hydrated.” Not only are workers encouraged to think about their hydration levels during the workday, but the initiative promotes a culture of awareness about hydration starting from the day before work begins.
With high temperatures forecast in other regions like Phoenix, Skanska is also looking to implement similar strategies there, ensuring that the health of workers is prioritized amidst a challenging work environment. This commitment to safety could position hydration testing as a standard practice across construction sites.
