Beat the Heat | Water Distribution and Heat Stress Tips

Published 05/09/2023


Things are heating up around the shipyard! Take action now to prioritize your health and avoid heat stress.

Starting this week, bins filled with cold bottles of water will be placed throughout the shipyard every Tuesday and Friday to ensure shipbuilders are staying hydrated. These distribution sites will be set up weekly through late September.

Signs of heat stress include muscle cramps, weakness or fatigue, light-headedness, dizziness, blurry vision, trouble focusing, nausea, excessive sweating, pale or flushed complexion, or fast and shallow breathing. Left unchecked, heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attack, heat cramps or heat rashes.

Stop heat stress with these tips:

  • Hydrate yourself well before the beginning of your shift. Drink water frequently (approx. 1 cup every 15-20 min., one gallon a day).

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drinks with large amounts of sugar.

  • Wear light-colored and breathable clothing when possible.

  • Monitor yourself and coworkers for signs of heat stress.

  • Get plenty of rest.

  • Listen to your body. Stop and take five if you feel you are getting overheated.

If you or a coworker are suffering from these symptoms, please get help immediately. Emergency first responders can be reached by dialing 911 from any Ingalls phone, or by dialing 228-935-6101 from a cell phone.