Water Consumption and Incidence of Dehydration on Workers Exposed to Heat Stress (Study in Tofu Industry Worker’s in Semarang Indonesia)

Background: Heat stress exposure in the workplace that occurs continuously will affect the increment of fluid expenditure through sweat and if it is not accompanied by adequate fluid intake, it will cause dehydration. One of the workplaces that have a physical hazard in the form of heat stress is the tofu industry. Preliminary measurement results for all locations are above the threshold value limit. Method: This descriptive study uses a cross-sectional approach, the sample is 31 workers in the tofu industry, Jomblang Village, Semarang Indonesia. The variables analyzed were the amount of drinking water consumption, the habit of drinking diuretic drinks, and the incidence of dehydration. Research instruments are questionnaires, beaker glass, urinometers, and cameras. Data analysis was carried out univariately. Results: Heat stress averages 33.01°C, most workers are >40 years old (67,7%), 83.9% are male, water consumption (freshwater) averages 2,1 liter for 24 hours, and 87.1% have less water intake. 87.1% of workers have a drinking diuretic habit both at work and at home, with the most types consumed are tea and coffee. The urine specific gravity averages 1.016, a minimum of 1.009, and a maximum of 1.026 of which 58.1% is unhydrated. Conclusion: Lack of drinking water consumption to replace body fluids lost through sweat due to heat stress will increase the specific gravity of urine. The specific gravity of urine can be an early marker of kidney problems.