WASHINGTON, DC - The Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) wants to remind agricultural employers and workers of some heat safety best practices, as record temperatures soar nationwide.

“Education and voluntary compliance are vital when it comes to heat safety,” explains Alexandra Martinez, Marketing Associate. “Farmworkers are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health risks and are 35 times more likely to die from heat-related causes compared to other workers. We’re providing simple, executable steps that can help save lives.”

Although a handful of states have heat protection regulations, such as California, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, millions of farmworkers are still at risk of unhealthy working conditions and life-threatening heat illnesses in states with no regulations. Furthermore, this failure to implement heat safety measures costs the U.S. economy nearly $100 billion annually.

According to a release, up to 170,000 workers suffer heat stress-related injuries annually, and workplace injuries increase one percent for every one degree Celsius rise in temp. Fatalities due to heat exposure are up to 2,000 per year in the states.

To protect workers, EFI offers tips and covers key topics, such as:

1. Hydration: Encourage workers to drink plenty of water before, during, and after their shifts. Ensure access to cool (below 60 degrees Fahrenheit), potable water
2. Rest Breaks: Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to allow workers to cool down
3. Protective Clothing: Advise workers to wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. Hats and sunglasses provide additional sun protection
4. Education: Train workers to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and to act immediately by seeking shade, water, and medical attention if necessary

To learn more about how EFI is educating and protecting agricultural employers and workers, this is a link to its toolkit: equitablefood.org/heat.

Employers can protect their workers by adopting comprehensive heat safety practices and enhance their reputation while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Stick with AndNowUKnow as we continue to share industry news and updates all summer long.