The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

As climate change intensifies, the very individuals who sustain our global food systems – agricultural workers – face escalating threats to their health and livelihoods. From soaring temperatures leading to heat stress and chronic illnesses to the proliferation of climate-induced hazards like poor air quality and extreme weather events, these workers are on the frontlines of a crisis that jeopardizes both human wellbeing and food security. Ruth Ascencio, regional head for Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean at Bonsucro, a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder governance group promoting sustainable sugar cane, examines the compounded risks confronting agricultural laborers and underscores the urgent need for collaborative, systemic solutions to safeguard their futures.

As the world marked the UN World Day for Safety and Health at Work (April 28), it's important to reflect on the growing challenges faced by agricultural workers in an era of climate change. With 2.3 million people dying annually due to occupational accidents or work-related diseases worldwide, the need for improved workplace safety has never been more pressing. This is particularly true in agriculture, where workers form the backbone of our global food supply chain face increasing risks from both traditional occupational hazards and the escalating impacts of climate change.

Climate change is reshaping workplace hazards, particularly in agriculture. Rising temperatures pose serious health risks to workers, with heat stress becoming a major concern. According to the International Labour Organisation, by 2030, the equivalent of more than 2% of total working hours worldwide is projected to be lost every year, either because it is too hot to work or because workers have to work at a slower pace. This is equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs.

Beyond heat: The multifaceted impact of climate change

But the impact extends beyond heat. Air quality issues are worsening, increasing respiratory problems among agricultural workers. Extreme weather events disrupt operations and create unsafe working conditions. Disease-carrying insects are expanding their range, posing new health risks to workers in previously unaffected areas. Mental health strain is rising due to unpredictable weather patterns and economic instability. These climate-induced challenges compound existing occupational risks in agriculture, such as exposure to pesticides, musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive motions, and injuries from heavy machinery.

Agricultural workers are essential to global food security, yet they often face significant challenges. A staggering 37-63% of agricultural workers experience food insecurity in various regions, according to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Many lack essential benefits: 50% are not covered by unemployment insurance, and 61% don't receive employer-provided health insurance, as reported by the Economic Policy Institute.

Protecting these workers is not just a moral imperative; it's essential for ensuring global food security. When agricultural workers are safe, healthy and secure, they are more productive and better able to maintain the consistent food supply that the world depends on.

Recent years have seen positive developments in addressing these challenges. Regulatory advancements, such as the UK's Health and Safety Executive and the EU's Climate Adaptation Strategy, are providing comprehensive guidance to businesses on managing climate-related risks to workers.

These frameworks are setting new standards for worker protection in the face of climate change.

In 2024 the ILO launched a report titled 'Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,' which revealed alarming new data on the impact of climate change on workers’ safety and health. Now technological innovation is playing an increasingly important role. This year’s UN World Day for Safety and Health at Work focused on 'Revolutionising Health and Safety: The role of AI and Digitalisation at work'. This theme explores how new technologies can enhance worker safety, from AI-powered early warning systems for extreme weather to wearable devices that monitor workers' health in real-time.

Climate resilience and collaborative partnerships

Bonsucro is committed to improving worker safety and food security in the sugarcane sector, one of the world's largest agricultural industries through certification, which ensures adherence to strict health and safety standards across the sugarcane supply chain. In 2024, Bonsucro-certified mills reported a 45% reduction in workplace accidents compared to non-certified mills.

We're also developing climate resilience strategies to help sugarcane farmers and workers adapt to climate change impacts. This includes promoting drought-resistant crop varieties and supporting the implementation of efficient irrigation systems.

Collaborative partnerships are key to our approach. We work with industry stakeholders to share best practices and drive collective action. For instance, through the Bonsucro Impact Fund we are supporting a project: driving safer working conditions for sugarcane farmers in Eswatini, led by Coca-Cola Company with Eswatini Sugar Association and Partner Africa. Through training workshops on health and safety, PPE and digital tools, the project is addressing hazardous labour conditions like injuries, exposure to harmful chemicals and heat-related illnesses.

In Central America, we are encouraging the implementation of Water, Rest, Shade and Sanitation programmes, which ensure that workers are adequately hydrated, and are allowed sufficient rest time out of the sun. Developed by La Isla Network, the roll-out of this programme at Ingenio San Antonio in Nicaragua has reduced heat-driven acute kidney hospitalisations of workers by 94%. In the meantime, it resulted in a ~27% return on investment (ROI) for the company.

A call to action: Protecting workers, securing our food future

As we face the dual challenges of climate change and worker safety, it's clear that protecting agricultural workers is not just about human rights – it's about securing our food future. By investing in worker safety, embracing technological solutions, and promoting sustainable practices, we can build a more resilient and equitable agricultural sector.

This requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Governments must strengthen and enforce occupational safety regulations, particularly those addressing climate-related risks. Businesses must prioritise worker safety and wellbeing throughout their supply chains, recognising it as essential to long-term sustainability. Consumers can support products and companies that demonstrate a commitment to worker safety and sustainable practices. NGOs and international organisations can continue to advocate for workers' rights and provide expertise on best practices.

During this week marking World Day for Safety and Health at Work, let's commit to creating a future where every agricultural worker is safe, healthy and valued. It's not just the right thing to do; it's essential for our collective prosperity and food security.