Researchers from La Isla Network (LIN) revealed compelling evidence that investing in occupational safety and health significantly improved the well-being of sugarcane workers at Ingenio San Antonio in Nicaragua, simultaneously boosting productivity and generating a return on investment (ROI).
Sugarcane workers in Mesoamerica have faced severe health risks due to extreme heat and physically demanding labor, leading to high rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease of non-traditional causes (CKDnt). Addressing this urgent health crisis, LIN collaborated with the Nicaraguan sugar mill Ingenio San Antonio to implement a Rest-Shade-Hydration-hygiene (RSH-h) intervention starting in the 2017-2018 harvest season. A Management of Change procedure followed the intervention, ensuring that the sugar mill’s workplace culture worked in harmony with the newly-implemented RSH-h policies.
The intervention emphasized four critical components:
- Rest: Regularly scheduled breaks to reduce physical stress.
- Shade: Provision of shaded areas to minimize heat exposure.
- Hydration: Ensuring workers had constant access to clean drinking water.
- Hygiene: Provision of access to latrines for workers to relieve themselves.
Researchers tracked health outcomes, productivity metrics and associated costs across five consecutive harvest seasons. The findings were both significant and promising:
- An ROI of 60% by year three of the intervention, and profitability by the second year. The initial costs of the RSH-h intervention were effectively offset by the subsequent productivity gains and savings from decreased healthcare expenses.
- Incidents of AKI among workers dropped dramatically by 40% following the program’s implementation.
- Rather than slowing down productivity, the RSH-h program notably led to a 15% increase in overall productivity. Healthier, less fatigued workers proved to be more efficient and effective.
These results strongly challenge the misconception that workplace health interventions are purely a financial burden. Instead, they show clear economic advantages, suggesting that similar health and safety programs could be broadly beneficial across industries operating in hot climates.
The implications of this study are profound. Companies operating under similar conditions worldwide can not only protect their workers from serious health risks but also enhance operational efficiency and economic performance. La Isla Network’s findings present a powerful case for prioritizing worker health as an essential component of responsible business operations.
For detailed insights, access the full research publication below:
La Isla Network is a health research and advisory organization dedicated to ending heat-related injury, illness and death among workers worldwide. We develop data-driven worker protection interventions and conduct management of change, improving the resiliency of workforces and businesses to heat exposure. LIN drives lasting change by working with governments and multilateral institutions to inform and create policy. For more information please use our contact form.
