Organization offers safety tips for Extreme Heat Awareness Month

With labor-intensive farming activities reaching their peak during Extreme Heat Awareness Month this July, the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) has developed a toolkit to help agricultural employers and workers prioritize heat safety and prevent sun and heat illnesses.

The toolkit, developed in collaboration with farmworkers, includes a Spanish-language video explaining heat exhaustion symptoms and preventive measures, a bilingual tip sheet and a collection of relevant statistics and resources.

“Education and voluntary compliance are vital when it comes to heat safety,” said Alexandra Martinez, marketing associate for EFI. “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.”

Heat exposure results in up to 2,000 worker fatalities and 170,000 heat stress-related injuries annually in the U.S., according to EFI. The economic impact of failing to implement heat safety measures costs the nation nearly $100 billion each year.

EFI’s resources emphasize practical tips to protect workers from extreme heat, including staying hydrated, taking rest breaks in shaded areas, wearing protective clothing and recognizing signs of heat-related illnesses.

Learn more at equitablefood.org.