Parts of South Africa are in for extremely higher temperatures and potentially devastating droughts later this year, according to meteorologists. This means the dangers of working outside during hot weather also increase for farmworkers. And even though we are already in March, some parts of the country are still experiencing extreme heat.
Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent heat stress injuries and death, as seen in Kakamas, Northern Cape earlier this year.
According to Thandeka Mabasa, CEO of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (Afasa), heat stroke is the most severe effect of heat waves and requires medical attention.
“In extreme circumstances, it can even lead to death as we witnessed in the Northern Cape,” she said.
So how can farmers and farmworkers best protect themselves when the weather heats up? Below are five tips to help farmers protect themselves and their workers.
ALSO READ: 5 Kakamas farmworkers die of heatstroke
1. Check weather predictions
There are many factors that farmers should take into consideration throughout their farm production cycles and the weather is one of them. This is why keeping in touch with weather predictions is so important, especially when the health of workers is at risk.
According to Mabasa, farmers should have a weather monitoring programme in place that will help them prepare in the event that a heatwave strikes.
Early warning systems, she says, can assist farmers in taking precautions for extreme weather conditions way ahead of time. “At Afasa, we usually share information via social media, SMS groups etc. These warning systems are much less costly than treating heat stroke or loss of life.”
While the South African Weather Services does a fine job in issuing warnings, Mbasa believes Mzansi’s agriculture sector needs to build a culture of accessing weather-related information and make use of it.
Training workers on the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses is also good practice.
2. Re-look work schedules
Farmers can also schedule work during cooler hours of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons. “There should be flexibility in terms of shifts,” Mbasa states.
She adds that more favourable working shifts and conditions can also be negotiated with the workers in order to protect them against harsh weather conditions.
Working outdoors for shorter periods is another way to protect workers from sun and heat.
3. Don’t forget to hydrate
Drinking fluids are important and Western Cape farmworker Jason Baartman advises farmworkers to drink enough water and stay hydrated.
“Farmers can make sure that there is enough drinking water, especially cold water. Let the workers come in early in the morning and take the rest of the day off if it’s too hot.”
Mbasa agrees that it is crucial that workers have easy access to clean drinking water throughout the day. She says farmers should encourage workers to drink plenty of water. Drinking small amounts of water throughout the day, for example, every 20 to 30 minutes, is recommended.
“A cool environment and hydration are important. Including refuelling of electrolytes (minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge), which are necessary for muscle and other body functions,” she says.
4. Got the right clothes for the job?
Wearing the right clothes for outdoor work is important and farmers are advised to provide workers with personal protective equipment. Apparel should be loose-fitting and breathable.
Farmers can help protect workers from the sun’s harmful rays by providing personal protective equipment, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. New trends include ice vests, cooling bandanas, and other water-cooled garments.
According to Baartman, “If they (farmworkers) are not properly protected, they can die, and we see that. People get sick because of the hot sun.”
5. Shade for rest breaks
Mbasa says extreme temperatures are part of the climate change phenomenon and farmers and farmworkers should prepare accordingly.
Mitigation interventions like planting trees in the fields to provide shade for both workers and livestock is another form of protection, she says explains.
By doing this, workers have shaded areas to rest during breaks. This can also be in the form of umbrellas, canopies, or other structures that offer protection from the sun.
READ NEXT: Heatwave deaths: Are farmers liable?
Sign up for Farmer’s Inside Track: Join our exclusive platform for new entrants into farming and agri-business, with newsletters and podcasts.
