Systems and methods of monitoring and reducing heat strain

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring heat strain in individuals. Frequency of hydration testing can be varied to conserve the resources of a hydration measurement system and one or more computing systems.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MONITORING AND REDUCING HEAT STRAINCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 675,229, filed on July 24, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 848,878, filed on July 22, 2025, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.Technical Field

[0002] The present application describes various implementations of systems and methods for assessing and determining an individual’s risk of heat strain. More particularly, the present application relates to assessing, monitoring and identifying risk of dehydration induced heat related injury (HRI) using intrinsic and extrinsic data related to an individual as well as taking one or more actions to reduce the risk of heat strain, such as varying the frequency of assessing the individual’s hydration state with a measurement device.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Heat exposure can cause significant physical strain, leading to injury, chronic health issues, and reduced productivity. While many approaches can be used to reduce the risk of heat-related illness (HRI), ensuring individuals are hydrated is essential for preventing physiological heat strain.

[0004] Hydration is widely acknowledged as crucial for managing heat strain. Workplace heat strain management policies have predominantly focused on educating individuals about the importance of hydration and implementing organizational policies to ensure access to fluids and recommended fluid intake. Although these measures are essential, they fail to consider individual differences in fluid requirements due to genetic variability, fitness levels, and acclimatization. Furthermore, these measures are not sufficiently granular to address daily fluctuations, including environmental factors, clothing and protective equipment, and intensity of activity.

[0005] Various technologies are available for performing direct hydration assessment, including measurement of sweat, urine or saliva biomarkers. Manualdetermination of the need for these hydration assessment technologies is the predominant method used in workplaces. A typical approach may involve randomly sampling individuals, or comprehensively assessing individuals with a high risk of dehydration, e.g., at predetermined times each day. Often protocols will be implemented detailing how an assessment should be conducted, actions to be taken in response to specific test results, and methods for recording both the assessment and any subsequent interventions.

[0006] These existing approaches have several limitations. Firstly, random selection of individuals or blanket measurement protocols are inefficient and inaccurate when tailored information could more effectively direct hydration assessments. Secondly, relying on manual management for the timing and frequency of hydration measurements is timeconsuming, prone to user error, inefficient, and inaccurate. Lastly, current methods do not actively ensure that guidance resulting from hydration assessments is followed and implemented.

[0007] Given these limitations, there remains a need for individualized and direct hydration assessment through which at-risk individuals can be more effectively identified and action can be taken to correct dehydration and / or prevent further heat exposure to reduce risk of injury. Furthermore, there remains a need for in-situ assessment to identify at-risk individuals such that corrective action can be implemented in real time and in any location to address dehydration and prevent further heat exposure and injury.

[0008] Therefore, it can be beneficial to adopt a more targeted and tailored approach, whereby individuals who would most benefit from corrective action are identified and prompted to be assessed based on a range of relevant parameters. Additionally, it can be advantageous to implement systems and methods that provide guidance in response to this assessment and to ensure users comply with such guidance.SUMMARY

[0009] For purposes of summarizing the disclosure and describing certain advantages that may be achieved, certain objects have been described. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0010] In a first aspect, a method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual, the method can include: determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain including environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, biometric data, or any combination thereof; determining a risk threshold whereby the individual is considered at-risk of heat strain; determining at predetermined time intervals whether the individual is above the risk threshold; and implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol when the risk threshold is exceeded.

[0011] In some aspects, the method can include the environmental data including data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, windspeed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0012] In some aspects, the method can include the location data including a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

[0013] In some aspects, the method can include the health data including height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

[0014] In some aspects, the method can include the demographic data including age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

[0015] In some aspects, the method can include the employment data including employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

[0016] In some aspects, the method can include the biometric data including heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, or any combination thereof.

[0017] In some aspects, the method can further include emitting an alert from a mobile device, a smartwatch, or a portable measurement device

[0018] In some aspects, the method can include the alert including information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0019] In some aspects, the method can include the alert including a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof.

[0020] In some aspects, the method can include the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

[0021] In some aspects, the method can include the alert prompts performance of a hydration assessment using the portable measurement device.

[0022] In some aspects, the method can include the portable measurement device is adhered to skin of the individual.

[0023] In some aspects, the method can include the hydration assessment including measurement of saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

[0024] In some aspects, the method can include the hydration assessment is performed at least 0.1 seconds to no greater than 60 minutes after emission of the alert.

[0025] In some aspects, the method can include emitting a reminder alert at least 1 hour to no greater than 24 hours after emission of the alert.

[0026] In some aspects, the method can include the portable measurement device is configured to emit the alert if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold.

[0027] In some aspects, the method can include the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is implemented if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold.

[0028] In some aspects, the method can include real-time hydration assessment data is periodically collected and used alongside the risk assessment criteria to determine the risk level of the individual.

[0029] In some aspects, the method can include the predetermined time intervals are at least 1 second and no greater than 60 minutes.

[0030] In some aspects, the method can include determining whether the individual is above the risk threshold occurs at the predetermined time intervals, the predetermined time intervals ranging from at least every 1 minute to no greater than every 24 hours.

[0031] In some aspects, the method can include guidance is provided in response to the risk level, the guidance including restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combination thereof.

[0032] In another aspect, a method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual, the method can include: determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain including environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, biometric data, or any combination thereof; determining a risk threshold whereby the individual is considered at-risk of heat strain; obtaining a sample from the individual; performing a hydration assessment on the sample using a portable measurement device; analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and the risk threshold, thereby determining the risk level of heat strain of the individual; and implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0033] In some aspects, the method can include the environmental data including data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, windspeed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In some aspects, the method can include the location data including a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

[0035] In some aspects, the method can include the health data including height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In some aspects, the method can include the demographic data including age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

[0037] In some aspects, the method can include the employment data including employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

[0038] In some aspects, the method can include the biometric data including heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, or any combination thereof.

[0039] In some aspects, the method can further include emitting an alert from an alert device.

[0040] In some aspects, the method can include the alert device including a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, wearable alert device, or computer, wherein the alert device is remote from a portable measurement device.

[0041] In some aspects, the method can include the portable measurement device including the alert device.

[0042] In some aspects, the method can include the alert including information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0043] In some aspects, the method can include the alert prompts performance of the hydration assessment.

[0044] In some aspects, the method can include the alert includes a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof.

[0045] In some aspects, the method can include the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

[0046] In some aspects, the method can include the hydration assessment is performed at least 1 hour to no greater than 24 hours after emission of the alert.

[0047] In some aspects, the method can further include emitting a reminder alert at least 0.1 minutes to no greater than 60 minutes after emission of the alert.

[0048] In some aspects, the method can include the hydration assessment including guidance action for implementing the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0049] In some aspects, the method can include the guidance action including restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completinga survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In some aspects, the method can include the portable measurement device is configured to emit an alert if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold.

[0051] In some aspects, the method can include the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is implemented if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold.

[0052] In some aspects, the method can include analyzing the hydration assessment including automated analysis of the hydration assessment.

[0053] In some aspects, the method can include the automated analysis including emitting an automated alert when the individual is at-risk of heat strain.

[0054] In some aspects, the method can include the hydration assessment including saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

[0055] In some aspects, the method can include the portable measurement device is adhered to skin of the individual.

[0056] In yet another aspect, a method of identifying an individual at risk of heat strain in real time, the method can include: (a) determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain including environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, biometric data, or any combination thereof; (b) determining a risk threshold whereby the individual is considered at-risk of heat strain; (c) collecting real time hydration status data of the individual; (d) performing a hydration assessment with the hydration status data; (e) analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold, thereby determining a risk level of heat strain of the individual; (f) implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual; and (g) repeating steps c-f at predetermined time intervals to continuously monitor the heat strain of the individual.

[0057] In some aspects, the method can include the predetermined time intervals are at least 1 minute and no greater than 60 minutes.

[0058] In some aspects, the method can include the environmental data including data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, windspeed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0059] In some aspects, the method can include the location data including a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

[0060] In some aspects, the method can include the health data including height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

[0061] In some aspects, a method, wherein the demographic data can include age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

[0062] In some aspects, the method can include the employment data including employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

[0063] In some aspects, the method can include the biometric data including heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, or any combination thereof.

[0064] In some aspects, the method can further include emitting an alert from an alert device.

[0065] In some aspects, the method can include the alert device including a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, wearable alert device, or computer, wherein the alert device is remote from a portable measurement device.

[0066] In some aspects, the method can include a portable measurement device including the alert device.

[0067] In some aspects, the method can include the alert including information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0068] In some aspects, the method can include the alert prompts performance of the hydration assessment.

[0069] In some aspects, the method can include the alert including a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof

[0070] In some aspects, the method can include the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

[0071] In some aspects, the method can include the hydration assessment including guidance action for implementing the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0072] In some aspects, the method can include the guidance action including restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combination thereof.

[0073] In some aspects, the method can include the alert device is configured to emit an alert if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold.

[0074] In some aspects, the method can include the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is implemented if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold.

[0075] In some aspects, the method can include analyzing the hydration assessment including automated analysis of the hydration assessment.

[0076] In some aspects, the method can include the automated analysis including emitting an automated alert when the individual is at-risk of heat strain.

[0077] In some aspects, the method can include the hydration status data includes saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

[0078] In some aspects, the method can include a portable measurement device is adhered to skin of the individual.

[0079] In some aspects, the method can include the hydration assessment is performed with the portable measurement device.

[0080] In some aspects, disclosed is a system implementing the method of any of the preceding paragraphs and / or any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0081] In some aspects, disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions, that when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to the method of any of the preceding paragraphs and / or any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0082] These and other aspects and embodiments are described in greater detail below, in relation to the drawing figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] The features and advantages of the systems and methods described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of their scope. In the drawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. In some instances, the drawings may not be drawn to scale.

[0084] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that implements any of the methods described herein.

[0085] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual.

[0086] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method of identifying an individual at risk of heat strain in real time.

[0087] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method of monitoring an individual’ s risk of heat strain and of administering a heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0088] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of monitoring compliance with a heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0089] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a dashboard application.

[0090] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a heatmap display.

[0091] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a risk assessment display.

[0092] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a monitoring display.

[0093] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an education display.

[0094] FIG. 11 illustrates example risk mitigation displays.

[0095] FIG. 12 illustrates an example risk mitigation guidance.

[0096] FIG. 13A-13B illustrate example compliance displays.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] The figures and the following description relate to various example embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, example embodiments of the structures, methods, and associated models disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed. Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable, similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed methods (with select equipment for purposes of illustration) and one skilled in the art will readily appreciate from the following description that various example embodiments of the structures, methods and equipment described herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

[0098] Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual. Also described herein are embodiments of systems and methods of identifying an individual at risk of heat strain in real time. The disclosed implementations may include monitoring and / or assessing the risk of heat strain of an individual using portable and user-friendly devices, allowing monitoring and / or assessment to be performed anywhere and by anyone, without the need for specialized training or equipment.

[0099] A system and method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual are described herein. In some cases, the method may include determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain including environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, biometric data, like data, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the method may include determining a risk threshold whereby the individual is considered at- risk of heat strain. In some cases, the method may include obtaining a sample from the individual and performing a hydration assessment on the sample using a portable measurement device. In some cases, the method may include analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold, thereby determining the risk level of heat strain ofthe individual. In some cases, the method may include implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0100] For example, conditions under which hydration assessments may be conducted are dependent on the context in which an individual, an organization, an institution, and the like, operates. By way of further example, an organization may establish a hydration management policy that describes the conditions under which hydration assessments is conducted. For example, the policy may include: performing measurements in accordance with an environment and / or local conditions (e.g., an individual in an environment above a specific temperature should be measured once every day or measured immediately); performing measurements directed by employment data (e.g., a new individual to a location or role should be measured once a day for the first two weeks following initiation of that role, or workers (or more generally personnel) in a specific role known to have high risk of HRI should be measured twice a day); performing measurements directed by prior measurement data or other health data (e.g., an individual who became dehydrated the previous day should be measured again the following day); performing measurements directed to ensure coverage (e.g., all individuals should be recurringly measured at predetermined time points); and performing measurements directed by biometric data (e.g., performing a measurement when an individual’s heart rate exceeds a predetermined heart rate).

[0101] A system and method of identifying an individual at risk of heat strain in real time are also disclosed herein. In some cases, the method includes determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain comprising environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, biometric data, like data, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the method includes determining a risk threshold whereby the individual is considered at-risk of heat strain. In some cases, the method includes collecting real time hydration status data of the individual. In some cases, the method includes performing a hydration assessment with the hydration status data using a portable measurement device. In some cases, the method includes analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold, thereby determining the risk level of heat strain of the individual. In some cases, the method includes implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual. In some cases, the method includes repeating steps including, at predetermined time intervals, to continuously monitor the heat strain risk ofthe individual collecting real time hydration status data of the individual, performing a hydration assessment with the hydration status data using a portable measurement device, analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold, thereby determining the risk level of heat strain of the individual, and implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual, at predetermined time intervals to continuously monitor the heat strain risk of the individual.

[0102] Risk assessment criteria for heat strain including environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, biometric data, like data, or any combination thereof may be provided. In some cases, environmental data may include data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, windspeed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof. In some cases, location data may include a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a WiFi Positioning System, or any combination thereof. In some cases, health data may include height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof. In some cases, demographic data may include age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof. In some cases, employment data may include employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof. In some cases, biometric data may include heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

[0103] For example, to assess the risk level of heat strain of an individual and whether the risk level exceeds the risk threshold, risk assessment criteria for heat strain may be needed to provide a baseline. Risk assessment criteria may include a wide range of parameters, including: environmental data such as data from third party meteorological service providers (e.g., useful for individuals engaging in outdoor activities), data collected by fixed environmental monitoring devices (e.g., useful for individuals engaged in indoor activities), data collected from wearable personal monitoring devices (e.g., useful for highly precise environmental monitoring); Location data such as GPS data or other location data to allow forinterpretation of environmental data or ensure compliance with site-specific criteria (e g., an organization may be subject to location-specific criteria; Health data such as various factors known to increase the risk of HRI, including being overweight, having a history of heat-related illnesses, having certain medical conditions, using specific medications, or being physically unfit. Such health data may also include data of previous measurements including hydration or other relevant data such as time since last measurement; Demographic data such as various demographic data known to be associated with increase in risk of HRI, including age, gender, ethnicity and education; Employment data such as role responsibilities, training, level of experience, and rostering data, all of which may be useful to identify an individual in need of monitoring and / or assessment, or to identify “newer” workers who need to be more closely monitored (acclimatization); and biometric data such as various metrics used to indicate risk of HRI, including heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, metabolic work rate, body temperature and movement data. For example, elevated heart rate or elevated metabolic work rate can be indicative of heat strain. In some cases, risk assessment criteria may be manually updated, updated from within the same platform (e.g., measurement data from the hydration assessment device) and / or automatically and / or continuously updated from various connected platforms (e.g., HR / training platforms) or third-party data (e.g., weather bureau data).

[0104] Systems and methods further including emitting an alert when an alert condition is identified. In some cases, an alert condition may be related to a change in status. For example, an alert may be generated for an alert condition related to environmental change (e.g., an increase in environmental or worksite temperature), a change in employee status (a move to a new worksite, completion of training, or other status), and / or other alert condition. In some cases, the alert condition is performance of the hydration assessment. In some cases, for example, an alert may be emitted when an individual, or multiple individuals, are identified as “at-risk” based on the previously described parameters. In some cases, the alert is omitted from an alert device. In some cases, the alert is emitted from an alert device, for example from the portable measurement device. In some cases, the portable measurement device includes the alert device. In some cases, the portable measurement device comprises the alert device. In some cases, the alert device comprises a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, wearable alert device, and / or computer that is remote from the portable measurement device. In some cases, the alert may include information related to the alert condition. For example, an alert mayinclude information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual. For example, when the individual has been identified as at-risk as per the risk assessment criteria, an alert is issued that the individual needs the hydration assessment. In some cases, the alert may prompt performance of the hydration assessment. In some cases, the alert may report the results of the hydration assessment. In some cases, the alert may include a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof. For example, the alert may be generated automatically (e.g., via an MX3 Web™ portal configured to continuously check if the individual meets risk assessment criteria and to issue alerts as per predetermined criteria) or the alert may be issued manually (e.g., a second individual may decide based on the hydration assessment).

[0105] In some cases, the alert may take on of several forms, including, but not limited to: a mobile phone notification (e.g., a notification from the MX3™ app), an SMS, a telephone call, an alarm from a device located on site (e.g., a laptop computer, or the MX3 LAB™), an alarm from a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch), an announcement over a public address (PA) or loudspeaker system, or any combination thereof. In some cases, wherein the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both. For example, the alert may be delivered to the individual (e.g., the at-risk individual is instructed to conduct a measurement or perform a hydration assessment), may be delivered to a second individual (e.g., the second individual is instructed to perform the hydration assessment on the first individual), and / or a list of individuals (e.g., supervisor(s), coach, nearby coworker(s) or teammate(s), clinician(s), emergency contact(s), and / or other individuals).

[0106] In some cases, the hydration assessment may be performed after emission of the alert. In some cases, the alert may be emitted immediately after the alert condition is identified. For example, an alert can be emitted within about less than one minute after the hydration assessment is performed. In some cases, the alert may be emitted 60 minutes or more after the hydration assessment has been performed. In some cases, the alert may be emitted 0.1 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 minutes, 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or any time therebetween, after the hydration assessment is performed. In some cases, emitting a reminder alert may be at least 60 minutes to no greater than 24 hours after emission of the alert. In some cases, the alert may be delivered through a smart system (e.g , a smartphone application) that providesfeedback on whether the alert has been received and / or acknowledged by the recipient. For example, data may be used to establish compliance with heat strain risk mitigation protocols (e.g., are people receiving and responding to hydration assessment alerts as per the protocol) and, in the event of non-compliance, issue reminders or prompt a second individual to investigate non-compliance with the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0107] In some cases, the alert may contain additional information, in addition to information related to risk of heat strain. For example, the alert may provide information on a reason for the alert (which risk assessment criteria have been met), general guidance on hydration and heat strain management, general information about environmental conditions, general information about employee rights and responsibilities, general information about how to seek assistance on a worksite, information about the individual who needs to be measured (e g., a photograph, contact number, most recent location, etc.), or like information. In some cases, the portable measurement device is configured to emit an alert if the hydration assessment exceeds, is below, equal to, or within a range of the risk threshold.

[0108] In some cases, the hydration assessment may be performed using the portable measurement device to identify a hydration-related parameter such as, but not limited to, salivary biomarkers of hydration (e.g., saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, and / or saliva viscosity), biomarkers of hydration (e.g., blood / serum / plasma osmolality, blood / serum / plasma osmolarity, blood / serum / plasma electrolytes, blood / serum / plasma creatinine, and / or blood plasma urea), urine biomarkers (e.g., urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, and / or urine color), sweat biomarkers (e.g., sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat sodium, sweat electrolytes, and / or sweat conductivity), bio-electric impedance analysis, and / or heart rate.

[0109] In some cases, the hydration assessment may result in an output indicative of whether the individual is hydrated or dehydrated. For example, depending on the analytical method, it is possible to further categorize individuals by degree of dehydration (e.g., mildly dehydrated, moderately dehydrated, or severely dehydrated). In some cases, the result of the hydration assessment may be manually logged or noted by the individual performing the hydration assessment. In some cases, results of the hydration assessment may be automatically logged. For example, the measurement device or a smart computing device in electroniccommunication with the portable measurement device can automatically log the hydration assessment. In some cases, results of the hydration assessment may be automatically entered into the system after testing, and the results can be confirmed by an individual performing the assessment.

[0110] In some cases, a guidance action may be provided for implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol. In some cases, a guidance action may be provided as a result of the hydration assessment. For example, the hydration assessment can be used to identify whether an individual is sufficiently hydrated or if a guidance action should be performed. In some cases, in response to the hydration assessment, a user is provided a guidance action on how to interpret the hydration assessment and what action should be taken in response to the hydration assessment. For example, the guidance action may be directed to either the individual or the second individual conducting the hydration assessment. In some cases, the guidance action may be specific to the hydration assessment (e.g., hydrated and dehydrated individuals are recommended different guidance actions), specific to a given context (e.g., higher-risk settings may have more stringent guidance while lower-risk settings may be more informative), or specific to a given individual (e.g., customized guidance based on other health, biometric, employment data or like data).[OlH] In some cases, the guidance action may include, but is not limited to: instruction that the individual is well-hydrated and no intervention is required; an instruction for the individual to drink a given volume of fluid over a defined period of time (e.g., to consume 800 ml of water each hour for the next three hours); an instruction to immediately stop activity and to rest in a cool location; an instruction for the individual to undertake immediate active cooling (e.g., with an ice bath or ice vest); an instruction to complete a survey (e.g., to identify whether the individual is experiencing any symptoms of HRI); an instruction to perform an additional measurement at a later time (e.g., drink and rest for 60 minutes then perform another assessment); an instruction to contact a second individual to receive guidance on how to proceed (e.g., call a supervisor to discuss the hydration assessment result); and / or an instruction to complete a training module related to heat strain management.

[0112] In some cases, the guidance action may include restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or anycombination thereof. In some cases, this guidance action may be contained on a physical document stored with the portable measurement device. In some cases, the guidance action may be stored and displayed in a digital format. In some cases, the guidance action may be displayed on the measurement device (e.g., on the screen of a MX3 LAB™) or the screen of a smart computing device (e g., through the MX3™ mobile application). For example, when information related to the guidance action or otherwise is delivered in an interactive format (e.g., the MX3 LAB™ or the MX3™ mobile application), the individual performing the hydration assessment can confirm that the guidance action is being followed. For example, confirmation may include, but is not limited to: checking a box that the required guidance has been provided to the measured individual, completing logs related to the completion of surveys, completing logs related to performance of follow-up measurements, and completion of logs related to communication with supervisors.

[0113] In some cases, logs and other recorded information may be used to establish compliance with hydration management policies and protocols (e.g., whether individuals receive the guidance action) and the heat strain risk mitigation protocol. In some cases, non- compliance with the heat strain risk mitigation protocol may be monitored by issuing reminders and / or by prompting a second individual to investigate the non-compliance. In some cases, the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is implemented if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold. In some further cases, the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is implemented if the hydration assessment is below, equal to, within one standard deviation of, within two standard deviations of, within three standard deviations of, within a range of, or any combination thereof, the risk threshold. In some cases, the portable measurement device is configured to emit an alert if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold. For example, the alert is emitted to prompt administration of the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0114] In some cases, an automated analysis of the hydration assessment can be conducted. In some cases, the automated analysis includes emitting an automated alert when the individual is at-risk of heat strain. In some cases, the hydration assessment may be performed in real time. In some cases, the hydration assessment may be performed repeatedly in intervals ranging from every 1 minute to every 60 minutes. For example, a wearable device continuously or frequently administers a hydration assessment every 5 minutes once an individual is determined to be at-risk of heat strain. By way of further example, the risk levelof heat strain is not determined from, e.g., the hydration assessment, but rather the risk level of heat strain is determined by analyzing contemporaneous risk assessment criteria, independently of the hydration status of the individual. For example, a combined analysis of risk assessment criteria and the hydration status of the individual can indicate the need for guidance action, alerts and / or reminder alerts. In some cases, the portable measurement device is adhered to skin of the individual. For example, the portable measurement device can be adhered to the skin of the individual with a removable adhesive, thereby enabling continuous sample collection for use in the hydration assessment analysis.

[0115] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 configured to implement any of the methods or other approaches described herein. The system 10 may include a portable measuring device 12 (or a measuring device that may not be portable), a sensor 14 (also referred to as a “strip” or “test strip”) and a computer application 16, which may be implemented by a computing device 18, which may be a mobile computing device). In FIG. 1, as in all figures provided in this application, features are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, in this illustration, sensor 14 is disproportionately large, compared to the measuring device 12 and computing device 18. Furthermore, although computer application 16 will be referred to herein as an “application,” this component of system 10 may include any computer software and / or hardware capable of receiving and processing data. In one form, computer application 16 is an application (or “app”) that may be downloaded on any suitable computing device 18, such as but not limited to a smart phone, tablet, or the like, or any other suitable computing devices, such as but not limited to a laptop computer, desktop computer, medical monitoring device or the like.

[0116] In the illustrated example, one end of the sensor 14 is configured to be inserted into a sensor slot on measuring device 12. A test subject 20 (or “user”) then deposits a sample, such as a body fluid (for instance, saliva) onto the opposite, free end of sensor 14, while sensor 14 is still inserted into the measuring device 12. Sensor 14 moves the sample across its surface via microfluidic channels and / or other mechanism(s) and measures at least one characteristic of the sample. Measuring device 12 then reads data related to this measurement (or measurements) off of the sensor 14. Measuring device 12 transmits data wirelessly or via wired connection to application 16 via the computing device 18. User 20, physicians, coaches, family members and / or any other individuals described herein may thenaccess the data. For example, in one embodiment the user 20 may be given a hydration score, which she can read off of the computing device 18. In some embodiments, the computing device 18 may also send data to the cloud 22 (which can include one or more computing devices) for storage and / or further processing.

[0117] The measuring device 12 can include one or more computing devices. In some instances, the measuring device 12 can communicate directly with the cloud 22 and can implement the application 16. In such case, the computing device 18 may be omitted. In some implementations, the sensor 14 is not used and the measuring device 12 obtains the sample directly from the user 20.

[0118] FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual 100. In some cases, the method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual 110 includes determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain comprising environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, biometric data, or any combination thereof 120. In some cases, the method includes determining a risk threshold whereby the individual is considered at-risk of heat strain 130. In some cases, the method includes obtaining a sample from the individual 140. In some cases, the method includes performing a hydration assessment on the sample using a portable measurement device 150. Discrete hydration assessment measurements can be obtained periodically, as described herein. In some cases, the method includes analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold, thereby determining the risk level of heat strain of the individual 160. In some cases, the method includes implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual 170. In some cases, obtaining a sample from the individual 140 may include continuously obtaining or frequently obtaining a sample from the individual, for instance, by a measurement device worn by the individual (such as, adhered to individual’s skin). In some cases, obtaining a sample from the individual 140 and / or performing a hydration assessment on the sample using a portable measurement device 150 may include obtaining a sample directly or indirectly from the individual with the portable measurement device, for example, by using the portable measurement device and sampling and measurement methods described in U.S. Patent No. 11,690,566, issued on July 4, 2023, entitled SALIVA TESTING SYSTEM, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0005322, filed on January 7, 2021, entitled BIOLOGICALFLUID ANALYSIS AND PERSONALIZED HYDRATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0215662, filed on January 14, 2021, entitled ASSESSMENT OF BIOMARKER CONCENTRATION IN A FLUID, and International Application Publication WO2023 / 034935, filed on September 1, 2022, entitled INTEGRATED LATERAL FLOW BIOASSAY AND BIOSENSOR, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. In some alternative cases, information obtained from analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold 160 may be integrated into step 120 of determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain.

[0119] For example, a set of conditions can be defined under which an individual is considered to be of elevated risk of HRI (e.g., if the ambient temperature is over 30°C, if the individual has been measured as dehydrated in the last 24 hours, or if the individual is unacclimated to the worksite). In some cases, a set of data points, such as the risk assessment criteria, can be collected and used to identify whether the individual meets any of the conditions indicating elevated risk of HRI. In some cases, the set of data points can be continuously updated from various data sources. In some cases, if an individual is found to meet a condition indicating elevated risk of HRI, the individual (or a second individual, e.g., a supervisor) is notified via an alert (e.g., a mobile phone notification) that a hydration assessment should be conducted. In some cases, the hydration assessment is conducted using a portable measurement device (e.g., the MX3 HYDRATION TESTING SYSTEM™). In some cases, the result of the hydration assessment is used to provide a guidance action to reduce risk of HRI, if needed (e.g., if they are severely dehydrated, the individual is moved to a cool location and advised to rest and rehydrate).

[0120] FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a method of identifying an individual at risk of heat strain in real time 200. In some cases, the method of identifying an individual at risk of heat strain in real time 210 may include determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain comprising environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, biometric data, or any combination thereof 220. In some cases, the method may include determining a risk threshold whereby the individual is considered at-risk of heat strain 230. In some cases, the method may include collecting real time hydration status data of the individual 240. In some cases, the method may include performing a hydrationassessment with the hydration status data using a portable measurement device 250. In some cases, the method may include analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold, thereby determining the risk level of heat strain of the individual 260. In some cases, the method may include implementing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual 270. In some cases, the method may include repeating steps 240 through 270 at predetermined time intervals to continuously monitor the heat strain risk of the individual. In some cases, collecting real time hydration status data of the individual 240 and / or performing a hydration assessment with the hydration status data using a portable measurement device 250 may include collecting real time hydration status data of the individual directly or indirectly from the individual with the portable measurement device, for example, by using the portable measurement device and sampling and measurement methods described in U.S. Patent No. 11,690,566, issued on July 4, 2023, entitled SALIVA TESTING SYSTEM U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0005322, filed on January 7, 2021, entitled BIOLOGICAL FLUID ANALYSIS AND PERSONALIZED HYDRATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0215662, filed on January 14, 2021, entitled ASSESSMENT OF BIOMARKER CONCENTRATION IN A FLUID, and International Application Publication WO2023 / 034935, filed on September 1, 2022, entitled INTEGRATED LATERAL FLOW BIOASSAY AND BIOSENSOR, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. In some alternative cases, information obtained from analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold 260, may be integrated into step 220 of determining risk assessment criteria for heat strain.

[0121] FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a method of monitoring an individual’s risk of heat strain and of administering a heat strain risk mitigation protocol 300. In some cases, a generalized method of monitoring an individual’s risk of heat strain and of administering a heat strain risk mitigation protocol 301 is provided. In some cases, an example embodiment of a method of monitoring an individual’s risk of heat strain at specific risk assessment criteria 305, is disclosed. In some cases, a set of conditions may be defined under which an individual is considered to be of elevated risk of HR] 310. For example, determining whether the ambient temperature is greater than a threshold temperature, such as 30°C 315. In some cases, the threshold ambient temperature may be 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C,36°C, 37°C, 38°C or other relevant temperature. Tn some cases, a set of data points may be collected to form the risk assessment criteria and used to identify whether the individual meets the risk assessment criteria 320. For example, environmental data can be collected, including ambient air temperature; if the ambient air temperature is, e.g., 32°C 325 the individual is considered at risk of heat strain per the risk assessment criterion / a defined in 315 (because the ambient temperature assessed at 325 is above the threshold temperature at 315). In some cases, if an individual is found to meet a condition indicating elevated risk of HRI, a hydration assessment is prompted 330. For example, once the individual is determined to be present in an ambient air temperature of 32°C, the individual or a second individual, can receive an alert or notification on a mobile application instructing performance of a hydration assessment, for example, a saliva osmolarity assessment. In some cases, once prompted, the hydration assessment is performed 340. In some cases, the hydration assessment is conducted using a portable measurement device (e.g., the MX3™ Hydration Testing System). For example, a saliva osmolarity is conducted 345 indicating that the individual is dehydrated. In some cases, the hydration assessment is an assessment of saliva, sweat, serum, urine, and / or plasma as described elsewhere herein. In some cases, the hydration assessment is an assessment of osmolarity, osmolality, conductivity, flow rate, viscosity, creatine, urea, specific gravity, density, color, electrolytes, and / or ion content (e.g., sodium content) of the tested fluid, as described elsewhere herein. Lastly, in some cases, upon determining the individual is dehydrated, a guidance action is provided to reduce the risk of heat strain 350. In some cases, the result of the hydration assessment is used to provide guidance on what action can be taken to reduce risk of HRI, if needed. For example, in some cases if the individual is severely dehydrated, the individual can be instructed to be moved to a cool location and advised to rest and rehydrate. In some cases, guidance can be provided to move the individual to a cool location, such as shade, indoors, a cooling tent, and the like, for a period of time within a range of 5-60 minutes, for example 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60 minutes or other appropriate time within the range. In some cases, guidance can be provided to drink a hydrating fluid, for example water, electrolyte fluid, and the like. In some cases, the guidance can suggest a volume of fluid within a range of 200-1000 mL, such as 200 mb, 300 mL, 400 mL, 500 mL, 600 mL, 700 mL, 800 mL, 900 mL, 1000 mL (1.0 L), or other appropriate volume within the range. For example, the dehydrated individual may be advised to drink 600 mL of water and to rest in shade for 20minutes before resuming activity 355. In some cases, data related to the hydration assessment and guidance actions may be stored and used as metrics to define compliance with a heat strain mitigation protocol. For example, such data can be in the form of logs related to whether the individual has been notified of their hydration status (e.g., has the hydration assessment result been delivered to an individual’s mobile phone), whether the individual has viewed the notification of their hydration status (e.g., has the individual opened the MX3™ application to view the hydration assessment results), and / or whether the individual has acknowledged receipt of the notification of their hydration status (e.g., has the individual clicked an “acknowledge” button in the MX3™ application). By way of further example, data related to the hydration assessment and guidance actions may be stored as logs related to whether hydration measurements have been conducted as per a delivered guidance action, logs related to the outcome of the hydration assessment, and / or logs related to what guidance action was performed in response to the hydration assessment (e.g., if the individual was dehydrated, did the individual complete the guidance action to reduce the risk of HRI).

[0122] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of monitoring compliance with a heat strain risk mitigation protocol 400. In some cases, the risk condition is defined in block 405. For example, the risk condition can be susceptibility to heat strain. In some cases, data can be collected, such as risk assessment criteria in block 410. In some cases, as a result of collecting the data, a hydration assessment may be prompted in block 420. In some cases, once the hydration assessment is prompted, the hydration assessment may be conducted in block 430. In some cases, once the hydration assessment is conducted, a guidance action may be provided to reduce risk of heat strain by the individual in block 440. In some cases, each of blocks 410, 420, 430 and 440 may include compiling and updating a data log. In some cases, data collected in block 410 may be stored as a data log of data records, data gaps, and manual prompts issues in block 450. In some cases, data associated with prompting the hydration assessment from block 420 may be stored as a data log of alerts issued, alerts acknowledged, reminder alerts issued, and non-compliance with alerts from block 460. In some cases, data associated with conducting the hydration assessment from block 430 may be stored as a data log of measurements recorded, measurement distributions, and non-compliance with alerts in block 470. In some cases, data associated with administration of guidance actions from block 440 can be stored as a data log of whether guidance action was acknowledged, and whether afollow-up was issued after non-compliance with alerts in block 480. In some cases, data logged in any one of blocks 450, 460, 470, and 480 may be used to establish compliance with the heat strain risk mitigation protocol 490 (e.g., whether individuals are receiving and responding to hydration assessment alerts as per the protocol), and, in the event of non-compliance, to issue reminders or prompt a second individual to investigate non-compliance with the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a heat strain risk mitigation system can include a dashboard 500. In some cases, a dashboard 500 can include information, for example a visual screen or display 502, representing hydration data for an individual or group of individuals. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a visual display 502 may illustrate a hydration history, for example information regarding respective amounts of time an individual is identified in hydration states (e g., hydrated, mildly dehydrated, moderately dehydrated, and severely dehydrated) shown, for example in a pie or wheel chart 502a. In some cases, visual display 502 may illustrate a hydration distribution, for example a representation of the number of hydration assessment scores collected within predetermined ranges shown as a bar chart 502b. In some cases, visual display 502 may illustrate hydration assessment results organized by time, for example as a daily hydration status 502c. In some cases, assessment results may be shown over another time period, for example results collected over an hour, a day, week, month, calendar quarter, annual season, year, or other useful time period such as a game or match duration, work shift, or sport season. In some cases, visual display 502 may illustrate hydration assessment results organized by a category, for example, an automatic or user- identified tag or category. For example, results can be organized by individual, worksite, job duty, team, class, time-in-position, level of dehydration (e.g., none, mild, moderate, severe), completed or uncompleted training, individuals tested within a specified time range (e.g., tested in the last hour, tested today, tested this week, etc.), individuals identified as dehydrated within a specified time range (e.g., dehydrated today, dehydrated yesterday), individuals not tested within a specified time range (e.g., not tested today, not tested this week, etc.), and / or other useful category or tag. Organized results can be shown visually, for example as a bar graph of categories 502d.

[0124] In some cases, visual display 502 may provide an indication of the number of hydration assessments performed 502e, for example within a time period (e.g., in the last10, 15, 20, 30, 60 minutes, in the last 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 hours, in the last shift or number of shifts, in the last sporting match, or part of sporting match such as quarter, inning, period, half, etc.) In some cases, visual display 502 can include an indication of extremes in hydration testing 502f. For example, the most dehydrated individual can be identified and shown, or the individual with the longest time without a hydration assessment. In some cases, testing extremes such as hottest worksite, most dehydrated individuals in a group or category (for example, one or more of the categories described above), least tested team, most tested individual, and / or other extreme can be visually represented.

[0125] In some cases, dashboard 500 can include one or more interactive sections 504. In some cases, interactive section 504 can be used to change one or more portions of the display, for example visual display 502. In some cases, interactive section 504 can include a list of individuals, worksites, groups, or other categories (for example the categories or tags described herein) to allow a user to access particular hydration data sets. In some cases, interactive section 504 may also provide overview information. In some cases, all display sections, for example visual display 502 may also be interactive and allow a user to access or manipulate the data. In some cases, interactive section 504 may include options to update, download, upload, store, share, refresh, and / or save data.

[0126] FIG. 7 illustrates a heat map screen or display 600. In some cases, a heat map 600 may show local ambient temperature. In some cases, a heat map 600 may optionally show worksite or other relevant locations. In some cases, a heat map 600 may show temperature with geography. In some cases, a heat map 600 may show temperature with a map or schematic of a worksite (e.g., identifying internal and external locations, rooms, hot equipment, cooling stations, individuals or estimated locations of individuals, etc.). In some cases, a heat map 600 may also be shown with data reports, for example a color-coded map 600 may be displayed with numerical temperature values, local conditions (wind, weather, time of day, precipitation, dew point, humidity, heat index, UV exposure, etc.), number of assigned workers, number of heat assessments taken, or other useful location data. In some cases, locations on a heat map 60 may be identified as creating conditions to put individuals at high, medium, or low risk of heat strain.

[0127] FIG. 8 illustrates an example risk assessment 700. In some cases, risk assessment 700 can be performed for a particular job function. For example, in some cases, ajob function can have identified characteristics used to create a risk assessment. One or more factors such as sun exposure, work area temperature, exposure period, space restraints or ventilation, task complexity (or expected exertion levels), need to climb stairs or ladder, distance from cooling (or rest area), distance from hydration, type of clothing and protective gear (for instance, permeability of clothing), training state (for instance, understanding of heat risks), respiratory protection, worker acclimatization, and expected metabolic work rate can be used to generate a risk profile. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a job (e.g., a driller) may perform duties outdoors, on a warm surface, for 1-2 hours, in a confined space, of moderate task complexity, requiring several levels of ladders and / or stairs, over 100 m from a cool area, over 50 m from hydration, in a layer of moderate covering clothing, with full face protection, performing work at a heavy metabolic work rate, after receiving training, and after acclimatizing to the work site. These factors can be used to generate a job-specific risk assessment 710 of High Risk. In some cases, the risk assessment 700 may be used to generate or suggest risk management protocols. For example a high risk assessment may be used to suggest a risk management protocol including frequent breaks and / or frequent hydration assessment or testing. In some cases, a risk assessment 700 may be used to identify risk drivers, which can be used to reduce risk. For example, in some cases, workers may be moved closer to water to reduce risk. In some cases, a risk assessment 700 may be directed to a particular job. In some cases, a risk assessment may be directed to a worksite, shift (e.g., day shift, night shift, long shift), individual, or combination of factors.

[0128] FIG. 9 illustrates a monitoring screen or display 800. In some cases, monitoring display 800 may visually display data in a format similar to dashboard 500 described above. In some cases, monitoring display 800 provides real-time data of a worksite, individual, work group, or job. In some cases, monitoring display combines information from a dashboard 500, heat map 600, and risk assessment 700 to provide a visual representation of real-time data related to an individual worker in the context of the worksite (e.g., local temperature and weather conditions), job duties (e.g., risk assessment) and the worker history (e.g., past hydration data). In some cases, a monitoring display may provide information about an individual worker in the context of other workers (e.g., individuals performing the same job in other locations, individuals working at the same worksite regardless of job function, other dehydrated workers, nearby coworkers or supervisors, etc ). In some cases, monitoring display800 may provide an alert as discussed elsewhere herein. Tn some cases, monitoring display 800 may enable a monitoring user to set an alert in response to identifying an alert condition. For example, monitoring display 800 may provide data to a supervisory monitor user who can identify or verify an alert condition and then send an alert to the local supervisor of an at-risk individual.

[0129] FIG. 10 illustrates an educational screen or display 900. In some cases, an education display 900 may be used to provide training to a worker, for example a new worker, a worker assigned to a new job or jobsite, a worker at risk of heat strain, and the like. In some cases, education display 900 may be a training module with information provided in text or audio / visual format(s). In some cases, educational display 900 may include interactive elements, for example quiz questions, clickable images with embedded information, and the like. In some cases, educational display 900 may report completion to a supervisor or personnel file. In some cases, educational display 900 may be included as part of a heat strain mitigation and / or prevention protocol as described elsewhere herein.

[0130] A risk mitigation protocol can be configurable according to the needs of a particular organization, which can include varying a frequency threshold of periodic hydration assessment or testing. Suppose that the hydration level of an individual is typically collected once a day. In situations where the risk level is high, the risk mitigation protocol may cause collection of the hydration levels to be performed more frequently (such as, several times a day). Conversely, in situations where the risk level is moderate or low, the risk mitigation protocol may cause collection of the hydration levels to be performed less frequently (such as, once every 2-3 days). Follow-up testing can be similarly configured and performed in a targeted manner.

[0131] Hydration assessment (or hydration testing) can be similarly performed in an optimized, targeted manner by identifying one or more individuals who are at higher risk of heat strain (for instance, based on the risk assessment in FIG. 8) and adjusting the timing of testing such one or more individuals. For instance, an individual at higher risk of heat strain would be recommended for resting before an individual at lower risk of heat strain.

[0132] Advantageously, such optimized, focused hydration testing or re-testing approach can provide an efficient and effective way for assessing and mitigating HRI risks while saving resources (computing power, memory, battery life, network resources, etc.) usedto perform the assessment, which would otherwise be inefficiently utilized as a result of performing unnecessary assessments. Also, fewer measurement device sensors (such as, test strips as described herein) would be used due to the optimized, focused testing. Moreover, a limited number of measurement devices can be used more effectively by testing only those who are at risk, which improves equipment allocation. In addition, tailoring the frequency of assessments to specific conditions improves the safety and health of the personnel, for instance, by appropriately reacting to an onset of adverse conditions. As a result, assessing and mitigating for HRI risks is improved and the computing resources are used more effectively and efficiently, which also results in the improved functioning of the computing resources.

[0133] In some instances, a user would use the risk assessment approaches described herein to identify individuals who are at elevated risk due to one or more of environment, job profile or recent hydration measurements. The frequency of hydration measurements can be determined by comparing the level of risk and environmental conditions to one or more thresholds. Such one or more thresholds and frequency of measurements can be configured (for instance, by the user or automatically) to meet the organization’s requirements. Some examples of policies that could be in place include:•

[0134] Personnel should be measured at least once every three working days.•

[0135] Personnel in in high-risk settings should be measured every day.•

[0136] All personnel should be measured at least daily when the ambient temperature is above 30°C.

[0137] FIG. 11 illustrates a display 1000 of an alert to measure the hydration levels in response to satisfying a temperature threshold. The display 1000 can be shown on a computing device of the user, as is described herein. In the illustrated example, the display 1000 includes an alert screen or display 1010 that informs the user that the hydration level of all personnel should be measured in response to satisfying the temperature threshold. This measurement can be performed at least daily, as described herein. A screen or display 1020 displays all personnel whose hydrational levels should be measured. Personnel can include 1022 (Arthur Brown, Geologist Rig A), 1024 (Alexis Rodriguez, Driller Rig A), and 1026 (Austin Power, Driller Rig A). The screen 1020 can be accessed by selecting the “Acknowledge and Start” option 1012 on the screen 1010. The measurements may need to be made within a specific period of time, as described herein in connection with FIG. 12.

[0138] Once the one or more measurements have been made, risk mitigation guidance (see also FIG. 4) can be provided based on the level of dehydration determined by the assessment. For example, suppose that assessment has determined that a worker measures as moderately dehydrated. Guidance can include:•

[0139] Complete a heat stress incident survey.•

[0140] Read to the worker the relevant rehydration guidance.•

[0141] Re-measure the worker within 24 hours.

[0142] As another example, suppose that assessment has determined that the worker measures as severely dehydrated. Guidance can include:•

[0143] Complete a heat stress incident survey.•

[0144] Read to the worker the relevant rehydration guidance.•

[0145] Contact the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) manager to report the incident.•

[0146] Re-measure the worker within 2 hours.

[0147] FIG. 12 illustrates an example risk mitigation guidance 1100 being provided to a user in response to the dehydrated reading. The risk mitigation guidance 1100 can include one or more screens or displays shown on a computing device of the user, as is described herein. In the illustrated example, the risk mitigation guidance 1100 includes a checklist of actions. The risk mitigation guidance 1100 illustrates a screen 1110 for the worker 1022 (Arthur Brown, Geologist, Rig A) in FIG. 11. The screen 1110 indicates that Arthur Brown is moderately dehydrated and provides options for completing the heat stress incident survey (illustrated in the screen 1120) and reading the relevant rehydration guidance (illustrated in the screen 1130).

[0148] Compliance assessment (see also FIG. 5) can be determined by one or more of the following:•

[0149] Tracking if supervisors acknowledge alerts to conduct measurements (see FIG. 11).•

[0150] Tracking if supervisors conduct measurements when prompted within an allowable time frame.•

[0151] Tracking if supervisors complete a checklist of actions in response to dehydration measurements (see also FIG. 12).

[0152] If non-compliance is detected, then additional alerts or reminders may be issued to prompt compliance. Routine non-compliance could result in disciplinary action, including retraining.

[0153] FIG. 13 A illustrates a compliance display 1200 showing whether supervisors have responded (such as, acknowledged) or actioned on an alert to conduct measurement in response to environmental prompts or measurement frequency requirements. Status of acknowledgements are shown in column 1202, and status of measurements are shown in column 1204. Check marks can indicate completed items, and X’s can indicate incomplete items. The numbers in the column 1204 indicate a number of personnel with measured hydration levels over the total number of personnel reporting to a particular supervisor. For instance, all personnel reporting to Amber Davis was timely tested for hydration levels, as indicated by the checkmark in column 1204. As another example, 22 out of 30 employees reporting to Albert Garcia were timely tested for hydration levels. As yet another example, Cameron Ames has not yet responded to the alert (as indicated by the X in column 1202) and none of personnel reporting to Cameron Ames have been tested for hydration levels. Reminders for actions that have not yet been completed (acknowledgment or measurement) can be sent at 1206.

[0154] FIG. 13B illustrates a compliance display 1250 showing whether the required risk mitigation protocol (see also FIG. 12) has been conducted in response to a dehydration assessment. The display 1250 illustrates three groups of at risk personnel: severely dehydrated group 1260, moderately dehydrated group 1270, and group 1280 of personnel that has not been measured as required by a frequency threshold. Within each group, status of survey, guidance, and reporting to OHS manager (if applicable) is shown. Check marks can indicate completed items, and X’s can indicate incomplete items. Hydration status after remeasuring is also illustrated in another column. Reminders for actions that have not yet been completed (acknowledgment or measurement) can be sent at 1292.

[0155] Compliance displays 1200 and 1250 in FIGS. 12A and 12B can be visible by an administrator.

[0156] In some cases, one or more of a dashboard 500, heat map 600, risk assessment 700, monitoring display 800, educational display 900, alert display 1000, mitigation guidance display 1100, or compliance display 1200 or 1250 may be provided in asoftware platform (such as, an app) or web-based application. In some cases, one or more of a dashboard 500, heat map 600, risk assessment 700, monitoring display 900, educational display 900, alert display 1000, mitigation guidance display 1100, or compliance display 1200 or 1250 may be provided on a testing device and / or analysis device (e.g., phone, tablet, smartwatch, etc.) as described elsewhere herein. In some cases, a user may be required to log into the software, after which user-based access levels can be granted. For example, an individual worker user may be granted access to his / her own information, a supervisor user may be granted access to supervised individuals only, and a human resources user may be granted access to all users. In some cases, a user may be granted permission(s) to view, edit, and / or export data based on predetermined permissions. In some cases, a user may be able to send alerts as described elsewhere herein.

[0157] In some cases, the software application may be accessible over a network, such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet via a communication link (wired, wireless, or a combination thereof). In some cases, a network may communicate with various computing devices and / or other electronic devices, such as computing systems, data sources, and / or additional portable devices. Access to the application may be through a web-enabled user access point such as a personal computer, cellular phone, smartphone, laptop, tablet computer, e-reader device, audio player, or another device capable of connecting to the network. Such a device may have a browser module that is implemented as a module that uses text, graphics, audio, video, and other media to present data and to allow interaction with data via the network.Example Implementations

[0158] Examples of the implementations of the present disclosure can be described in view of the following example clauses. The features recited in the below example implementations can be combined with additional features disclosed herein. Furthermore, additional inventive combinations of features are disclosed herein, which are not specifically recited in the below example implementations, and which do not include the same features as the specific implementations below. For sake of brevity, the below example implementations do not identify every inventive aspect of this disclosure. The below example implementations are not intended to identify key features or essential features of any subject matter described herein. Any of the example clauses below, or any features of the example clauses, can becombined with any one or more other example clauses, or features of the example clauses or other features of the present disclosure.

[0159] Clause 1. A method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual, comprising: determining a risk assessment criteria for heat strain based on analyzing one or more of environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, worksite data, or biometric data; determining, using the risk assessment criteria, a risk threshold indicative of the individual being considered at-risk of heat strain; determining, using the risk assessment criteria, an expected risk level for heat strain; periodically obtaining a sample from the individual at a frequency determined using the expected risk level for heat strain; performing a hydration assessment of the individual by analyzing the sample using at least one measurement device; analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and the risk threshold to determine the risk level of heat strain of the individual; and providing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0160] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the method is performed by at least one computing device, and wherein the frequency for obtaining the sample is varied to conserve resources of the at least one computing device and the at least one measurement device.

[0161] Clause 3. The method of clause 2, wherein resources of the at least one measurement device include a number of sensors in a plurality of sensors for obtaining the sample.

[0162] Clause 4. The method of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the environmental data comprises, data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, wind-speed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0163] Clause 5. The method of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the location data comprises a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

[0164] Clause 6. The method of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the health data comprises height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

[0165] Clause 7. The method of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the demographic data comprises age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

[0166] Clause 8. The method of any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the employment data comprises employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

[0167] Clause 9. The method of any one of clauses 1-8, wherein the biometric data comprises heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

[0168] Clause 10. The method of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the worksite data comprises sun exposure, work area temperature, exposure period, space restraints or ventilation, task complexity, need to climb stairs or ladder, distance from rest area, distance from hydration, type of clothing, understanding of heat strain risks, respiratory protection, acclimatization, expected metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

[0169] Clause 11. The method of any one of clauses 1-10, further comprising emitting an alert based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0170] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the alert is emitted by an alert device that comprises a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, wearable alert device, or computer, wherein the alert device is remote from the at least one measurement device.

[0171] Clause 13. The method of any one of clauses 11-12, wherein the alert is emitted by the at least one measurement device.

[0172] Clause 14. The method of any one of clauses 11-13, wherein the alert comprises information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0173] Clause 15. The method of any one of clauses 11-14, wherein the alert prompts performance of the hydration assessment.

[0174] Clause 16. The method of any one of clauses 11-15, wherein the alert comprises a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof.

[0175] Clause 17. The method of any one of clauses 1 1-16, wherein the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

[0176] Clause 18. The method of any one of clauses 11-17, wherein the hydration assessment is performed at least 1 hour to no greater than 24 hours after emission of the alert.

[0177] Clause 19. The method of any one of clauses 11-18, further comprising emitting a reminder alert at least 0.1 minutes to no greater than 60 minutes after emission of the alert.

[0178] Clause 20. The method of any one of clauses 1-19, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol comprises guidance action for implementing the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0179] Clause 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the guidance action comprises restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combination thereof.

[0180] Clause 22. The method of any one of clauses 1-21, wherein the at least one measurement device is configured to emit an alert responsive to the risk level satisfying the risk threshold.

[0181] Clause 23. The method of any one of clauses 1-22, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is provided responsive to the risk level satisfying the risk threshold.

[0182] Clause 24. The method of any one of clauses 1-23, wherein analyzing the hydration assessment comprises an automated analysis of the hydration assessment.

[0183] Clause 25. The method of clause 24, wherein the automated analysis comprises emitting an automated alert when the individual is at-risk of heat strain.

[0184] Clause 26. The method of any one of clauses 1-25, wherein the hydration assessment comprises saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

[0185] Clause 27. The method of any one of clauses 1 -26, wherein the at least one measurement device comprises a portable measurement device adhered to skin of the individual.

[0186] Clause 28. A method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual, comprising: determining a risk assessment criteria for heat strain based on analyzing one or more of environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, worksite data, or biometric data; determining, using the risk assessment criteria, a risk threshold indicative of the individual being considered at-risk of heat strain; determining, using the risk assessment criteria, at predetermined time intervals whether the individual satisfies the risk threshold; and in response to determining that the individual satisfies the risk threshold, providing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0187] Clause 29. The method of clause 28, wherein the environmental data comprises, data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, wind-speed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0188] Clause 30. The method of any one of clauses 28-29, wherein the location data comprises a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

[0189] Clause 31. The method of any one of clauses 28-30, wherein the health data comprises height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

[0190] Clause 32. The method of any one of clauses 28-31, wherein the demographic data comprises age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

[0191] Clause 33. The method of any one of clauses 28-32, wherein the employment data comprises employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

[0192] Clause 34. The method of any one of clauses 28-33, wherein the biometric data comprises heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

[0193] Clause 35. The method of any one of clauses 28-34, wherein the worksite data comprises sun exposure, work area temperature, exposure period, space restraints or ventilation, task complexity, need to climb stairs or ladder, distance from rest area, distance from hydration, type of clothing, understanding of heat strain risks, respiratory protection, acclimatization, expected metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

[0194] Clause 36. The method of any one of clauses 28-35, further comprising, in response to determining that the individual satisfies the risk threshold, emitting an alert from a mobile device, a smartwatch, or a portable measurement device.

[0195] Clause 37. The method of clause 36, wherein the alert comprises information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual, the risk level being determined using the risk assessment criteria.

[0196] Clause 38. The method of any one of clauses 36-37, wherein the alert comprises a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof.

[0197] Clause 39. The method of any one of clauses 36-38, wherein the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

[0198] Clause 40. The method of any one of clauses 36-39, wherein the portable measurement device is adhered to skin of the individual.

[0199] Clause 41. The method of any one of clauses 36-40, wherein the alert prompts performance of a hydration assessment of the individual using the portable measurement device.

[0200] Clause 42. The method of clause 41, wherein the hydration assessment comprises measurement of saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

[0201] Clause 43. The method of any one of clauses 41-42, wherein the hydration assessment is performed at least 0.1 seconds to no greater than 60 minutes after emission of the alert.

[0202] Clause 44. The method of any one of clauses 41-43, further comprising emitting a reminder alert at least 1 hour to no greater than 24 hours after emission of the alert.

[0203] Clause 45. The method of any one of clauses 41-44, wherein the portable measurement device is configured to emit the alert if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold.

[0204] Clause 46. The method of any one of clauses 41-45, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is provided responsive to the hydration assessment exceeding the risk threshold.

[0205] Clause 47. The method of any one of clauses 28-46, wherein real-time hydration assessment data is periodically collected and used alongside the risk assessment criteria to determine the risk level of the individual.

[0206] Clause 48. The method of any one of clauses 28-47, wherein the predetermined time intervals are at least 1 second and no greater than 60 minutes.

[0207] Clause 49. The method of any one of clauses 28-48, wherein the predetermined time intervals range from at least every 1 minute to no greater than every 24 hours.

[0208] Clause 50. The method of any one of clauses 28-49, further comprising providing guidance in response to the risk level determined using the risk assessment criteria, the guidance comprising restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combination thereof.

[0209] Clause 51. A method of identifying an individual at risk of heat strain in real time, comprising: (a) determining a risk assessment criteria for heat strain based on analyzing one or more of environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, worksite data, or biometric data; (b) determining, using the risk assessment criteria, a risk threshold indicative of the individual being considered at-risk of heat strain; (c) collecting real time hydration status data of the individual; (d) performing a hydration assessment of the individual with the hydration status data; (e) analyzing the hydrationassessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold to determine a risk level of heat strain of the individual; (f) providing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual; and (g) repeating steps c-f at time intervals to continuously monitor the heat strain of the individual.

[0210] Clause 52. The method of clause 51, further comprising: determining, using the risk assessment criteria, an expected risk level for heat strain; and varying a duration of time between a pair of consecutive time intervals based on the expected risk level for heat strain.

[0211] Clause 53. The method of clause 52, wherein the method is performed by at least one computing device, and wherein the duration of time is varied to conserve resources of the at least one computing device and at least one measurement device that performs the hydration assessment.

[0212] Clause 54. The method of clause 53, wherein resources of the at least one measurement device include a number of sensors in a plurality of sensors for collecting the hydration status data.

[0213] Clause 55. The method of any one of clauses 51-54, wherein the time intervals are predetermined time intervals.

[0214] Clause 56. The method of clause 55, wherein the predetermined time intervals are at least 1 minute and no greater than 60 minutes.

[0215] Clause 57. The method of any one of clauses 51-56, wherein the environmental data comprises, data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, wind-speed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0216] Clause 58. The method of any one of clauses 51-57, wherein the location data comprises a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

[0217] Clause 59. The method of any one of clauses 51-58, wherein the health data comprises height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list,fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

[0218] Clause 60. The method of any one of clauses 51-59, wherein the demographic data comprises age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

[0219] Clause 61. The method of any one of clauses 51-60, wherein the employment data comprises employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

[0220] Clause 62. The method of any one of clauses 51-61, wherein the biometric data comprises heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

[0221] Clause 63. The method of any one of clauses 51-62, wherein the worksite data comprises sun exposure, work area temperature, exposure period, space restraints or ventilation, task complexity, need to climb stairs or ladder, distance from rest area, distance from hydration, type of clothing, understanding of heat strain risks, respiratory protection, acclimatization, expected metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

[0222] Clause 64. The method of any one of clauses 51-63, further comprising emitting an alert based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0223] Clause 65. The method of clause 64, wherein the alert is emitted by an alert device that comprises a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, wearable alert device, or computer, and wherein the alert device is remote from a portable measurement device that collects real time hydration status data of the individual.

[0224] Clause 66. The method of clause 65, wherein the portable measurement device comprises the alert device.

[0225] Clause 67. The method of any one of clauses 64-66, wherein the alert comprises information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

[0226] Clause 68. The method of any one of clauses 64-67, wherein the alert prompts performance of the hydration assessment.

[0227] Clause 69. The method of any one of clauses 64-68, wherein the alert comprises a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof.

[0228] Clause 70. The method of any one of clauses 64-69, wherein the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

[0229] Clause 71. The method of any one of clauses 64-70, wherein the alert is emitted responsive to the hydration assessment satisfying the risk threshold.

[0230] Clause 72. The method of any one of clauses 51-71, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol comprises guidance action for implementing the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

[0231] Clause 73. The method of clause 72, wherein the guidance action comprises restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combination thereof.

[0232] Clause 74. The method of any one of clauses 51-73, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is provided responsive to the hydration assessment exceeding the risk threshold.

[0233] Clause 75. The method of any one of clauses 51-74, wherein analyzing the hydration assessment comprises automated analysis of the hydration assessment.

[0234] Clause 76. The method of clause 75, wherein the automated analysis comprises emitting an automated alert when the individual is at-risk of heat strain.

[0235] Clause 77. The method of any one of clauses 51-76, wherein the hydration status data comprises saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

[0236] Clause 78. The method of any one of clauses 51-77, wherein a portable measurement device that collects real time hydration status data of the individual is adhered to skin of the individual.

[0237] Clause 79. A system comprising at least one processor configured to implement the method of any one of the preceding clauses.

[0238] Clause 80. A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to implement the method of any one of the preceding clauses.

[0239] Clause 81. A heat strain monitoring system comprising: a measurement device configured to: receive a test strip that supports a sample obtained from an individual; analyze the sample to determine a hydration status of the individual; and transmit the hydration status; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive the hydration status transmitted by the measurement device; and analyze the hydration status and provide an indication, based on the hydration status, of when the hydration status should be updated by obtaining and analyzing a subsequent sample.

[0240] Clause 82. The heat strain monitoring system of clause 81, wherein a frequency of updating the hydration status is varied to conserve resources of at least one of the measurement device or one or more computing systems comprising the one or more processors.

[0241] Clause 83. The heat strain monitoring system of any one of clauses 81-82, wherein resources of the measurement device include a plurality of test strips.

[0242] Clause 84. The heat strain monitoring system of any one of clauses 81-83, wherein the measurement device comprises a housing with a slot configured to receive the test strip.

[0243] Clause 85. The heat strain monitoring system of any one of clauses 81-84, wherein the sample comprises saliva.

[0244] Clause 86. The heat strain monitoring system of clause 85, wherein the test strip is configured to move saliva its surface via one or more microfluidic channels.

[0245] Clause 87. The heat strain monitoring system of any one of clauses 81-86, wherein the one or more processors are caused to provide the indication further based on analysis of at least one heat strain condition.

[0246] Clause 88. The heat strain monitoring system of clause 87, wherein the at least one heat strain condition comprises environmental data, worksite data, and biometric data of the individual.

[0247] Clause 89. The heat strain monitoring system of any one of clauses 81-88, wherein the one or more processors are further caused to provide a user interface outputting the hydration status.

[0248] Clause 90. The heat strain monitoring system of any one of clauses 81-89, wherein the measurement device is configured to wirelessly transmit the hydration status.

[0249] Clause 91. A method of operating the system of any one of clauses 81-90.Other Variations

[0250] Various other configurations are may also be used, with particular elements that are depicted as being implemented in hardware may instead be implemented in software, firmware, or a combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various alternatives to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0251] At least some elements of implementations of one or more disclosed devices of the can be controlled and at least some steps of implementations of one or more disclosed methods can be effectuated, in operation with a programmable processor governed by instructions stored in a memory. The memory may be random access memory (RAM), readonly memory (ROM), flash memory or any other memory, or combination thereof, suitable for storing control software or other instructions and data. Those skilled in the art should also readily appreciate that instructions or programs defining the functions of the disclosed implementations may be delivered to a processor in many forms, including, but not limited to, information permanently stored on non-writable storage media (for example read-only memory devices within a computer, such as ROM, or devices readable by a computer I / O attachment, such as CD-ROM or DVD disks), information alterably stored on writable storage media (for example floppy disks, removable flash memory and hard drives) or information conveyed to a computer through communication media, including wired or wireless computer networks. In addition, while some implementations may be embodied in software, the functions necessary to implement the disclosed features may optionally or alternatively be embodied in part or in whole using firmware and / or hardware components, such as combinatorial logic, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) or other hardware or some combination of hardware, software and / or firmware components.

[0252] In various embodiments, input from a user may be requested. Examples of methods for receiving user input, such as receiving a button press from a user, are illustrative and not by means of limitation. Alternative methods of receiving user input may be used, including receiving a button press on a touch screen, a physical button press on a device, a swipe, a tap, any other touch gestures, a spoken (audio) input, etc.

[0253] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, or as a combination of electronic hardware and executable software. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, or as software that runs on hardware, depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosure.

[0254] Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a server, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A server can be or include at least one processor (such as, a microprocessor), but in the alternative, the server can be or include a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like configured to generate and publish machine learning services backed by a machine learning model. A server can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a server may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the modeling, simulation, or service algorithms described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on at least one processor, at least one mainframe computer, at least one digital signal processor, at least one portable computingdevice, at least one device controller, or at least one computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

[0255] The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a computing device, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An illustrative storage medium can be coupled to the computing device such that the computing device can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the computing device. The computing device and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the computing device and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal (for example, access device or network service client device).

[0256] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein. Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, the terms “upper” and “lower” are sometimes used for ease of describing the figures, and indicate relative positions corresponding to the orientation of the figure on a properly oriented page, and may not reflect the proper orientation of a feature as implemented.

[0257] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0258] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0259] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect or embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or embodiments. Various aspects of the novel systems and methods are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of, or combined with, any other aspect described. For example, a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such a method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosures set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0260] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in anysuitable subcombination. Although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0261] The features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0262] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in some cases, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0263] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0264] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include,certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0265] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. Thus, as used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of X, Y, and Z” is intended to cover: X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, and X, Y and Z.

[0266] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (for example, X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0267] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.

[0268] The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the devices and methods disclosed herein.

[0269] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

[0270] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

1. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual, comprising: determining a risk assessment criteria for heat strain based on analyzing one or more of environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, worksite data, or biometric data; determining, using the risk assessment criteria, a risk threshold indicative of the individual being considered at-risk of heat strain; determining, using the risk assessment criteria, an expected risk level for heat strain; periodically obtaining a sample from the individual at a frequency determined using the expected risk level for heat strain; performing a hydration assessment of the individual by analyzing the sample using at least one measurement device; analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and the risk threshold to determine the risk level of heat strain of the individual; and providing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed by at least one computing device, and wherein the frequency for obtaining the sample is varied to conserve resources of the at least one computing device and the at least one measurement device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein resources of the at least one measurement device include a number of sensors in a plurality of sensors for obtaining the sample.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the environmental data comprises, data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, windspeed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the location data comprises a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the health data comprises height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the demographic data comprises age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the employment data comprises employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the biometric data comprises heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the worksite data comprises sun exposure, work area temperature, exposure period, space restraints or ventilation, task complexity, need to climb stairs or ladder, distance from rest area, distance from hydration, type of clothing, understanding of heat strain risks, respiratory protection, acclimatization, expected metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising emitting an alert based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the alert is emitted by an alert device that comprises a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, wearable alert device, or computer, wherein the alert device is remote from the at least one measurement device.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the alert is emitted by the at least one measurement device.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the alert comprises information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the alert prompts performance of the hydration assessment.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the alert comprises a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the hydration assessment is performed at least 1 hour to no greater than 24 hours after emission of the alert.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising emitting a reminder alert at least 0.1 minutes to no greater than 60 minutes after emission of the alert.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol comprises guidance action for implementing the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the guidance action comprises restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combi ation thereof.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one measurement device is configured to emit an alert responsive to the risk level satisfying the risk threshold.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is provided responsive to the risk level satisfying the risk threshold.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the hydration assessment comprises an automated analysis of the hydration assessment.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the automated analysis comprises emitting an automated alert when the individual is at-risk of heat strain.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydration assessment comprises saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one measurement device comprises a portable measurement device adhered to skin of the individual.

28. A method of assessing a risk level of heat strain of an individual, comprising: determining a risk assessment criteria for heat strain based on analyzing one or more of environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, worksite data, or biometric data; determining, using the risk assessment criteria, a risk threshold indicative of the individual being considered at-risk of heat strain; determining, using the risk assessment criteria, at predetermined time intervals whether the individual satisfies the risk threshold; and in response to determining that the individual satisfies the risk threshold, providing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the environmental data comprises, data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, windspeed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the location data comprises a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the health data comprises height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rate assessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the demographic data comprises age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the employment data comprises employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein the biometric data comprises heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the worksite data comprises sun exposure, work area temperature, exposure period, space restraints or ventilation, task complexity, need to climb stairs or ladder, distance from rest area, distance from hydration, type of clothing, understanding of heat strain risks, respiratory protection, acclimatization, expected metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

36. The method of claim 28, further comprising, in response to determining that the individual satisfies the risk threshold, emitting an alert from a mobile device, a smartwatch, or a portable measurement device.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the alert comprises information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual, the risk level being determined using the risk assessment criteria.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the alert comprises a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

40. The method of claim 36, wherein the portable measurement device is adhered to skin of the individual.

41. The method of claim 36, wherein the alert prompts performance of a hydration assessment of the individual using the portable measurement device.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the hydration assessment comprises measurement of saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urine conductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the hydration assessment is performed at least 0.1 seconds to no greater than 60 minutes after emission of the alert.

44. The method of claim 41, further comprising emitting a reminder alert at least 1 hour to no greater than 24 hours after emission of the alert.

45. The method of claim 41, wherein the portable measurement device is configured to emit the alert if the hydration assessment exceeds the risk threshold.

46. The method of claim 41, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is provided responsive to the hydration assessment exceeding the risk threshold.

47. The method of claim 28, wherein real-time hydration assessment data is periodically collected and used alongside the risk assessment criteria to determine the risk level of the individual.

48. The method of claim 28, wherein the predetermined time intervals are at least 1 second and no greater than 60 minutes.

49. The method of claim 28, wherein the predetermined time intervals range from at least every 1 minute to no greater than every 24 hours.

50. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing guidance in response to the risk level determined using the risk assessment criteria, the guidance comprising restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combination thereof.

51. A method of identifying an individual at risk of heat strain in real time, comprising:(a) determining a risk assessment criteria for heat strain based on analyzing one or more of environmental data, location data, health data, demographic data, employment data, worksite data, or biometric data;(b) determining, using the risk assessment criteria, a risk threshold indicative of the individual being considered at-risk of heat strain;(c) collecting real time hydration status data of the individual;(d) performing a hydration assessment of the individual with the hydration status data;(e) analyzing the hydration assessment using the risk assessment criteria and risk threshold to determine a risk level of heat strain of the individual;(f) providing a heat strain risk mitigation protocol based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual; and(g) repeating steps c-f at time intervals to continuously monitor the heat strain of the individual.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising: determining, using the risk assessment criteria, an expected risk level for heat strain; and varying a duration of time between a pair of consecutive time intervals based on the expected risk level for heat strain.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the method is performed by at least one computing device, and wherein the duration of time is varied to conserve resources of the at least one computing device and at least one measurement device that performs the hydration assessment.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein resources of the at least one measurement device include a number of sensors in a plurality of sensors for collecting the hydration status data.

55. The method of claim 51, wherein the time intervals are predetermined time intervals.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the predetermined time intervals are at least 1 minute and no greater than 60 minutes.

57. The method of claim 51, wherein the environmental data comprises, data collected by a fixed environmental monitoring device, data collected by a portable environmental monitoring device, meteorological data, temperature, humidity, pressure, windspeed, air flow, solar irradiance, Heat Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or any combination thereof.

58. The method of claim 51, wherein the location data comprises a predetermined location, GPS coordinates, a self-reported location, a postal address, a ZIP code, an altitude, an IP address location, a Wi-Fi Positioning System, or any combination thereof.

59. The method of claim 51, wherein the health data comprises height, weight, medical history, history of heat-related illnesses, medication list, fitness assessment, sweat rateassessment, previous hydration measurements, acclimatization status, or any combination thereof.

60. The method of claim 51, wherein the demographic data comprises age, sex, ethnicity, education, or any combination thereof.

61. The method of claim 51, wherein the employment data comprises employment location, employment responsibilities, employment history, employment training records, or any combination thereof.

62. The method of claim 51, wherein the biometric data comprises heart rate, pulse variability, pulse oximetry, body temperature, movement data, metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

63. The method of claim 51, wherein the worksite data comprises sun exposure, work area temperature, exposure period, space restraints or ventilation, task complexity, need to climb stairs or ladder, distance from rest area, distance from hydration, type of clothing, understanding of heat strain risks, respiratory protection, acclimatization, expected metabolic work rate, or any combination thereof.

64. The method of claim 51, further comprising emitting an alert based on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the alert is emitted by an alert device that comprises a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, wearable alert device, or computer, and wherein the alert device is remote from a portable measurement device that collects real time hydration status data of the individual.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the portable measurement device comprises the alert device.

67. The method of claim 64, wherein the alert comprises information on the risk level of heat strain of the individual.

68. The method of claim 64, wherein the alert prompts performance of the hydration assessment.

69. The method of claim 64, wherein the alert comprises a notification from a mobile application, a notification from a desktop application, a SMS message, a phone call, an alarm, a public announcement, or any combination thereof.

70. The method of claim 64, wherein the alert is received by the individual, a second individual, or both.

71. The method of claim 64, wherein the alert is emitted responsive to the hydration assessment satisfying the risk threshold.

72. The method of claim 51, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol comprises guidance action for implementing the heat strain risk mitigation protocol.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the guidance action comprises restriction from work, additional fluid intake, active cooling, medical assessment, completing a survey, making a phone call, completing a training module, performing a second hydration assessment, or any combination thereof74. The method of claim 51, wherein the heat strain risk mitigation protocol is provided responsive to the hydration assessment exceeding the risk threshold.

75. The method of claim 51, wherein analyzing the hydration assessment comprises automated analysis of the hydration assessment.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the automated analysis comprises emitting an automated alert when the individual is at-risk of heat strain.

77. The method of claim 51, wherein the hydration status data comprises saliva osmolarity, saliva osmolality, saliva conductivity, saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, serum / plasma osmolality, serum / plasma osmolarity, serum / plasma electrolytes, serum / plasma creatinine, serum / plasma urea, urine osmolality, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity, urineconductivity, urine density, urine color, sweat osmolality, sweat osmolarity, sweat electrolytes, sweat conductivity, heart rate, bioelectrical impedance, or any combination thereof.

78. The method of claim 51, wherein a portable measurement device that collects real time hydration status data of the individual is adhered to skin of the individual.

79. A system comprising at least one processor configured to implement the method of any one of the preceding claims.

80. A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to implement the method of any one of the preceding claims.

81. A heat strain monitoring system comprising: a measurement device configured to: receive a test strip that supports a sample obtained from an individual; analyze the sample to determine a hydration status of the individual; and transmit the hydration status; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive the hydration status transmitted by the measurement device; and analyze the hydration status and provide an indication, based on the hydration status, of when the hydration status should be updated by obtaining and analyzing a subsequent sample.

82. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 81 , wherein a frequency of updating the hydration status is varied to conserve resources of at least one of the measurement device or one or more computing systems comprising the one or more processors.

83. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 81, wherein resources of the measurement device include a plurality of test strips.

84. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 81 , wherein the measurement device comprises a housing with a slot configured to receive the test strip.

85. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 81, wherein the sample comprises saliva.

86. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 85, wherein the test strip is configured to move saliva its surface via one or more microfluidic channels.

87. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 81, wherein the one or more processors are caused to provide the indication further based on analysis of at least one heat strain condition.

88. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 87, wherein the at least one heat strain condition comprises environmental data, worksite data, and biometric data of the individual.

89. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 81, wherein the one or more processors are further caused to provide a user interface outputting the hydration status.

90. The heat strain monitoring system of claim 81, wherein the measurement device is configured to wirelessly transmit the hydration status.

91. A method of operating the system of any one of claims 81 to 90.

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