La Isla Network has teamed up with Diageo, a global leader in the beverage industry, to address the impact of heat stress in sugarcane mills in Central America and the Caribbean. The partnership began in November 2022 and aims to protect the health of workers and promote good labor conditions, particularly in the sugarcane supply chain used for rum production.
In a rapidly changing climate, the health and safety of agricultural workers worldwide are becoming increasingly jeopardized. In the United States, agricultural workers face 20 times the risk of heat-related death and are exposed to 21 working days in the summer growing season that are unsafe due to heat, per a report by La Isla Network and the Environmental Defense Fund.
In the tropical zones that risk is ever-present due to year-round heat. There, occupational heat stress has fueled epidemics of chronic kidney disease. But La Isla Network’s efforts have helped ameliorate the problem, through targeted, data-driven occupational safety and health interventions that have contributed to both the well-being of workers and companies. In Nicaragua at the San Antonio sugar mill, La Isla Network collected data to design and implement an intervention aimed at reducing occupational heat stress among sugarcane workers. As a result, we reduced hospitalizations related to occupational heat stress by 80%, increased the productivity of workers by 10% to 20%, and provided a return on investment of 22% for the mill.
Through the leadership of Diageo, countless workers will be protected from occupational heat stress through La Isla Network’s life-saving work. La Isla Network recently sat down with Diageo to discuss the project’s objectives, progress, and future implications.
Understanding the Need
The primary motivation for the project is the recognition of heat stress as a significant threat to agricultural workers, specifically sugarcane cutters. Laura Casadiego, Sustainable Sourcing Specialist at Diageo, said, “We know that extreme heat, combined with the physically demanding nature of agricultural work, poses a severe risk to workers’ health.”
This program will focus on Diageo’s molasses suppliers, which include five key suppliers in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala, Barbados, and Brazil.
Implementing the Solution
The project employs La Isla Network’s “AAA” approach: Assess, Address, and Assist. This comprehensive method involves several key steps:
- Assessment and Data Collection: In the initial phase, the program focused on identifying the levels of heat-related risks within the supply chain. This involved extensive field assessments to gather data on current practices and working conditions.
- Recommendations and Implementation: Based on the assessment findings, tailored recommendations were developed for each supplier. These include measures such as the installation of shade tents, hydration stations, sanitation facilities, and programmed rest breaks. The recommendations are customized to suit the specific needs and conditions of each supplier.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Ongoing monitoring and data collection are crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented measures. The program uses key performance indicators to track progress and ensure that suppliers adhere to the recommended practices.
- Long-term Sustainability: The final phase aims to integrate these measures into the standard operating procedures of the suppliers. This includes embedding heat stress management protocols into their policies and ensuring continued training and resource allocation.
Challenges and Achievements
While the solutions may seem straightforward, implementing them is complex and requires significant changes in management and leadership within the supply chain. Despite these challenges, the program has seen positive engagement from suppliers, who recognize the importance of addressing heat stress.
“One of the significant achievements is that we have not faced major resistance from the suppliers,” said Laura. “Each country has different needs and stages of development, so our approach is not one-size-fits-all but tailored to each supplier’s specific conditions.”
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, both Diageo and La Isla network are optimistic about the potential impact of this partnership. The ultimate goal is to create a safer and more sustainable working environment for agricultural workers. As Diageo continues to lead the industry by example, theirs will inspire other companies to follow suit and adopt similar practices.
“This project is also about setting a standard for the industry,” said Laura. “We want to lead by example and demonstrate that addressing heat stress is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to make a positive impact.”
The collaboration between La Isla Network and Diageo is a testament to the power of partnership in tackling global challenges. By working together, they aim to protect the health and well-being of workers, ensuring a more sustainable future for all.
Thank you for reading. La Isla Network protects workers in a changing climate. We generate and implement data-driven worker protection and management assessment protocols to improve the resiliency of workforces and businesses to heat stress. For more information please contact Click to reveal.
