Hydration status of underground miners in a temperate Australian region

Benjamin G Polkinghorne,Susan Furber,Brian Davies,Victoria M Flood,Vinodkumar Gopaldasani

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-426

Abstract

BackgroundDehydration is a health risk for miners in tropical regions of Australia. However, it is not known whether dehydration poses a health risk to miners working in temperate regions of Australia.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 88 miners from two underground mines was undertaken in south-eastern New South Wales, Australia. Participants had their height, weight, waist circumference and hydration status measured and completed a self-administered questionnaire on fluid intake, access to water, and socio-demographic characteristics. Health and Safety managers were surveyed about guidelines relating to healthy work and lifestyle behaviours which impact/influence hydration.ResultsHydration tests indicated that more than half of the miners (approximately 58%) were dehydrated (Urinary Specific Gravity (USG) >1.020) both before and after their shift, with three workers pre-shift and four workers post-shift displaying clinical dehydration (USG>1.030). Overall, 54.0% of participants were overweight and 36.8% were obese. Miners who commenced the shift with poor hydration status were 2.6 times more likely to end the shift with poor hydration, compared to those who commenced the shift with good hydration (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.06, 6.44). Miners who had a mean USG result for the entire shift indicating dehydration were more likely to be obese (42.9%) and have a waist measurement in the high risk range for metabolic complications (40.8%) than those workers that were adequately hydrated for their entire shift (29.4% and 14.7% respectively). Some guidelines promoting healthy lifestyles and supportive work environments were in place, but there were limited guidelines on healthy weight and hydration.ConclusionsDehydration, being overweight and obesity were linked issues in this cohort of miners. Strategies are needed to: adapt the workplace environment to increase water accessibility; encourage appropriate consumption of water both at work and at home; and to promote physical activity and good nutrition to maintain healthy weight.

Highlights

Dehydration is a health risk for miners in tropical regions of Australia
Recruitment of miners Participants were voluntarily recruited from two underground mines located in the temperate southern district of New South Wales (NSW), Australia after receiving a short briefing on the purposes of the study
Urine specific gravity Hydration was measured by testing urine specific gravity (USG) both pre-shift and post-shift with 87 participants providing pre-shift urine samples and 84 providing a post-shift sample

Summary

Introduction

Dehydration is a health risk for miners in tropical regions of Australia. It is not known whether dehydration poses a health risk to miners working in temperate regions of Australia. A study of underground miners in northern Australia, in a tropical climate, found that most miners were starting their shifts in a dehydrated state [1]. Consumption of sugary drinks especially caffeinated soft drinks has a diuretic effect due to two mechanisms: osmotic diuresis and caffeine; both of which stimulate the kidneys to release more water [9]. Shift workers can consume up to three servings of soft drink in a single shift [10], which could contribute to diuresis in the absence of sufficient drinking water

Methods

Results

Conclusion