HOW TO KEEP HEAT STRESS
OFF THE MENU.
In a kitchen, your team is surrounded by more heat hazards than you can shake a spatula at, and kitchen heat can reach upwards of 100°F. Even slight dehydration can cause significant cognitive impairment in workers.
The Sqwincher® Brand is a Proud Sponsor of the ACF Culinary Team USA
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
Join Kent Consumer Brands’ culinary expert Mario Arena, C.E.C.—bringing over three decades of professional experience—alongside Heat Science specialist Bubba Wolford as they break down the most common kitchen hazards, the science of hydration, and proven strategies to prevent heat stress in this powerful seven-part video series. Click link below to watch.
OSHA’S COOKING UP NEW RULES FOR KITCHENS.
OSHA has updated its heat exposure standards, making it important to stay informed to keep your kitchen safe, healthy, and compliant. These standards are designed to protect workers from heat-related illness while also helping businesses reduce risk, avoid violations, and limit potential liability by following clear safety expectations.
BE SURE YOUR TEAM CAN STAND UP TO THE HEAT
SQWINCHER® QWIK STIK®
SQWINCHER® CONCENTRATE
SQWINCHER® SQWEEZE
WITH SQWINCHER® ELECTROLYTES STAYING HYDRATED = STAYING SHARP
The Human Body is More Than 60% Water
In this kind of heat you’re going to SWEAT. Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in. Without proper fluid balance, your body’s normal functions decline.
Mental Effects Begin at 2% DEHYDRATION
Rapid fluid loss escalates dehydration. Dehydration effects concentration, causing confusion and impaired motor skills that increase kitchen staff mistakes like grabbing hot pans, carelessness with knives, food contamination and more.
4%
6%
8%
10%
Declining Muscular Function
Heat Exhaustion Occurs
Hallucinations are Common
Circulatory System Collapses and HeatStroke Occurs
Heat-Related Illness
Studies have shown that dehydration can result in up to a 20% decrease in physical performance in temperate climates. In hotter temperatures, it can get as bad as a 50% decrease.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
When your body is working too hard to stay cool, it can cause heat exhaustion. If your body can’t cool down, it can then lead to heat stroke-which can be fatal.
HEAT CRAMPS
Sweating heavily in a kitchen leads to fluid loss. Not replacing fluids and electrolytes, can cause painful muscle cramps.
CUTS AND BURNS
Sharp objects are more dangerous when your body is overheated. The hot surfaces of a kitchen become even more hazardous when your cognitive state is compromised.
SLIPS AND FALLS
Kitchen floors are unpredictable. Slips and falls become greater risk with dehydration’s physical and mental side effects.
RECIPE FOR SAFE HYDRATION:
1.
Place cold water + Sqwincher® electrolyte hydration stations near the kitchen.
2.
3-minute hydration breaks at regular intervals throughout a shift
3.
Drink electrolytes (6-8oz) every 15 minutes during more strenuous activity.
Source: https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/cpl-03-00-024 | Water: Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutritionand\-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256 | Overview of Electrolytes – https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/overview-of-electrolytes | Food-service workers are suffering from extreme heat. Few rules exist to protect them. – https://thecounter.org/food-service-workers-suffer-extreme-heat-high-temperatures/ | *For formulation and product nutritional information please visit www.sqwincher.com. | ©2023 KENT PRECISION FOODS GROUP, INC. | MUSCATINE, IA 52761 | (800) 654-1920 | Sqwincher® is a registered trademark of Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc