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Work Hard. Drink Well.
OSHA Workplace Hydration Guidelines & Electrolyte Solutions
Learn how water, electrolytes, rest and shade work together to help support employees working in hot or physically demanding conditions.
Shop Fluid Tactical Hydration Shop Heat-Stress SafetyProper hydration is a critical part of protecting employees from heat-related illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to provide potable drinking water in the workplace and provides additional guidance for employees working in hot conditions.
Water should remain the foundation of every workplace hydration program. During longer shifts, heavy physical work or conditions involving substantial perspiration, electrolyte-containing beverages may provide additional hydration support by replacing minerals lost through sweat.
Electrolyte products supplement a workplace hydration program. They do not replace accessible drinking water, planned rest breaks, shade, acclimatization, worker training or appropriate medical care.
Workplace Water and Hydration Guidance
Employers should make drinking water readily available and encourage employees to drink regularly rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.
Hydration 101: What Workers Lose Through Sweat
The body relies on water to help regulate temperature. During hot or strenuous work, employees lose body water through perspiration, breathing and normal bodily functions. As fluid loss increases, the body’s ability to manage heat can become less effective.
Sweat contains more than water. It also contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride. These minerals contribute to normal muscle, nerve and cardiovascular function.
Water First. Electrolytes When Conditions Call for Them.
Employees should have continual access to cool drinking water. Electrolyte beverages can be an additional option during long shifts, extreme heat or work involving heavy perspiration.
When Should Employers Consider Electrolyte Beverages?
The needs of each crew will depend on workload, temperature, humidity, protective clothing, shift length and individual health considerations. Electrolyte beverages may be useful when:
- Employees are performing strenuous physical work.
- Work continues for more than two hours in hot conditions.
- Employees are sweating heavily for extended periods.
- Workers are wearing protective clothing that limits heat dissipation.
- A central cooler or hydration station serves a large crew.
- Supervisors need portable hydration options for vehicles or remote work areas.
Employers should account for individual medical needs and workplace policies when selecting hydration products. Workers with dietary restrictions or medical conditions should consult an appropriate healthcare professional.
Fluid Tactical Hydration Solutions
Fluid Tactical offers several hydration formats designed for jobsites, emergency responders, industrial facilities and other demanding environments. TPR Industrial currently offers two primary formulas: Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix and Fluid Tactical ORS.
Routine Workplace Hydration
Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix
Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix is designed for convenient hydration support throughout the workday. Each single-serving stick provides sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium and mixes with 8–16 ounces of water.
- 20 calories and 4 grams of sugar per standard single-serving stick
- 300 mg of sodium in standard flavors
- Select low-sodium flavor options are also available
- Individual sticks for bottles, trucks and field kits
- Bulk 5-gallon pouches for coolers and crew hydration stations
Available Package Sizes
| Package | Best For |
|---|---|
| 25 Single-Serve Stick Bag | Individuals, vehicles, smaller crews and product trials |
| 400 Single-Serve Stick Case | Larger jobsites, facilities and organized hydration programs |
| 25-Pack 5-Gallon Pouch Case | Large coolers, central hydration stations and crew break areas |
Higher-Sodium Hydration
Fluid Tactical ORS Oral Rehydration Solution
Fluid Tactical ORS is a higher-sodium electrolyte formula intended for hydration support during heavy perspiration and more demanding working conditions. Each single-serving stick mixes with 16 ounces of water.
- 816 mg of sodium per single-serving stick
- 370 mg of potassium and 100 mg of magnesium
- Includes vitamin C and zinc
- Informed Sport Certified and third-party tested
- Individual sticks and mixed-flavor bulk pouch options
Available Package Sizes
| Package | Best For |
|---|---|
| 12 Single-Serve Stick Bag | Individuals, vehicles, field kits and smaller crews |
| 200 Single-Serve Stick Case | Larger crews, facilities and workplace hydration programs |
| 18-Pack 2.5-Gallon Pouch Mixed Case | Central coolers and large mixed-flavor hydration stations |
Package note: Individual ORS flavors are available in single-serving sticks. The 2.5-gallon pouch format is available only as an 18-pouch mixed-flavor case.
Electrolyte Drink Mix vs. ORS
| Feature | Electrolyte Drink Mix | Tactical ORS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Routine workplace hydration support | Higher-sodium hydration for demanding conditions |
| Sodium Per Stick | 300 mg standard; select 100 mg low-sodium options | 816 mg |
| Calories Per Stick | 20 | 60 |
| Other Key Nutrients | Potassium, calcium and magnesium | Potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and zinc |
| Single-Serve Mixing | 8–16 oz of water | 16 oz of water |
| Bulk Pouch Format | 5-gallon pouches | 2.5-gallon mixed-flavor pouches |
Nutrition values above apply to single-serving sticks. Refer to each package label for complete nutrition, ingredient, preparation and usage information.
Read our full Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix vs. ORS comparison guide .
Build a Complete Heat-Stress Prevention Program
Hydration is only one part of heat-stress prevention. Employers should also evaluate environmental conditions, workload, protective clothing, employee acclimatization and the availability of rest and shaded recovery areas.
Learn more in our Water, Rest, Shade & Summer Safety Gear for Jobsites guide.
Workplace Hydration FAQs
Does OSHA require employers to provide drinking water?
Employers must provide potable drinking water for employees at no cost and make it reasonably accessible in the workplace.
How often should employees drink water in hot conditions?
OSHA hot-weather guidance commonly recommends approximately one cup of water every 15–20 minutes rather than waiting until the employee feels thirsty.
Do electrolyte beverages replace drinking water?
No. Water should remain readily available. Electrolyte beverages may supplement water during longer jobs or conditions involving heavy perspiration.
Which Fluid Tactical formula is right for my crew?
The standard Electrolyte Drink Mix is designed for routine hydration support. Tactical ORS provides a substantially higher-sodium formula for more demanding conditions.
Support Your Crew with a Better Hydration Program
TPR Industrial offers Fluid Tactical hydration products, coolers, shade solutions, cooling products and other heat-stress safety equipment for demanding workplaces.
Shop Fluid Tactical View Heat-Stress Safety Products Contact TPR IndustrialThis page provides general workplace hydration information and is not medical or legal advice. Employers are responsible for evaluating workplace hazards and following all applicable federal, state and local requirements. Product information may vary by flavor or package size. Always refer to the individual product label and current OSHA guidance.
