In 2017, La Isla Network partnered with the Ingenio San Antonio (ISA) sugar mill in Chichigalpa to implement the Adelante Initiative, an innovative rest, shade, hydration and sanitation (RSH-s) intervention designed to protect workers from the harsh effects of intense labor under extreme heat conditions. This project aimed to reduce the incidence of chronic kidney disease among sugarcane cutters, a condition linked to heat stress and dehydration known as CKDnt. The initiative not only improved worker health and productivity but also provided a significant return on investment (ROI) for the sugar mill.
The Problem: Rising Temperatures and Worker Health Risks
As global temperatures rise, agricultural workers around the world, particularly those in manual labor-intensive roles like sugarcane cutting, face increased health risks. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high temperatures, coupled with strenuous physical activity, leads to dehydration and heat stress, which can culminate in CKDnt. This condition has caused a high incidence of kidney disease and death among sugarcane workers, particularly in Central America.
The Solution: The Adelante Initiative
La Isla Network, in collaboration with ISA, developed the Adelante Initiative to address these challenges. The intervention was straightforward yet effective, focusing on three core components:
- Hydration: Ensuring workers had adequate access to water and electrolyte solutions to consume the required amount per hour of work.
- Rest: Implementing scheduled rest breaks to reduce physical strain.
- Shade: Providing shaded areas where workers could rest and cool down.
To facilitate these measures, ISA invested in equipment such as sun-blocking hats, water containers, and portable canopies. They also provided medical support through mobile clinics staffed with healthcare professionals who monitored the workers’ health.
The Impact: Improved Health and Increased Productivity
The results of the Adelante Initiative were profound. The regimen significantly improved kidney function among workers, reducing the incidence of kidney injury. This health improvement was directly linked to decreased absenteeism due to illness, higher productivity, and reduced turnover rates. For instance, the average daily tonnage of sugarcane cut per worker increased from 5.3 tons to 5.6 tons, representing a notable productivity boost.
The Financial Return: A Positive ROI
The financial benefits of the Adelante Initiative were equally impressive. Using a standard ROI calculation, the initiative yielded a 22% return on investment for ISA. This figure represents a conservative estimate, primarily based on data provided by ISA and corroborated by external studies. The ROI could potentially reach 29.7% under optimal conditions, considering the highest estimates for productivity gains and sugarcane prices.
Key cost savings included reduced healthcare expenses for treating acute and chronic kidney issues, lower costs associated with worker turnover, and the productivity gains from healthier, more efficient workers. For every dollar invested in the WRS regimen, ISA gained an additional 22 cents, demonstrating the initiative’s financial viability alongside its health benefits.
Read the full ROI report below
Conclusion: A Model for Sustainable Business Practices
The success of the Adelante Initiative highlights the importance of prioritizing worker health and safety, particularly in industries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme heat. By investing in simple yet effective health measures, ISA not only safeguarded its workforce but also achieved significant economic benefits. This case serves as a model for other organizations seeking to balance corporate responsibility with profitability, proving that sustainable business practices can indeed yield substantial returns.
Thank you for reading. La Isla Network is an occupational health research and advisory nonprofit dedicated to ending heat-related illnesses among workers and their communities worldwide. Our mission is to protect workers in a changing climate. We develop and implement data-driven worker protection and management assessment protocols to improve the resiliency of workforces and businesses to heat stress. Our work is backed by best-in-class researchers, industry leaders, and government and multilateral institutions like the ILO. For more information including press engagements please contact in**@la***********.org .
