Developed in Western Australia, the new Aqualyte drink is the first fluid replacement product designed specifically for use in the industrial workplace. Over the past few months, a team of Curtin students have trialed the drink at six Pilbara Iron sites as part of an extensive heat study associated with the Company’s new Health Standards.
The study also measured thermal strain in a number of work areas. The results showed that heat and dehydration continue to be major health issue for Pilbara Iron employees.
Dehydration is the most common cause of heat illness. Symptoms include headaches, cramps, nausea, rashes and exhaustion. In extreme cases, heatstroke can occur, which is a potentially fatal combination of extreme dehydration and a rise in body temperature above 40°C. If left untreated, 80 percent of heat stroke cases result in death.
The study also found that most employees do not drink enough water. Most reported consuming an average of only 3.2 litres of water each day despite the fact that up to a litre of body fluid could be lost every hour.
The loss of vital body salts through excessive perspiration was also a significant health risk with fluid replacement drinks, such as Aqualyte, helping to replenish vital body salts. All employees who tried the new drink liked the taste and a third reported feeling more energised after drinking it.
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Please provide your name. Read our have your say guidelines.