Without a federal heat safety rule in place and as temperatures continue to rise, farmers have been searching for clear guidance on developing their own heat safety protocols. The Hot Potato Resource Library aims to provide some of that support, with tools and information that supplement the video Hot Potato: Heat Safety Where You Work.
For farmers working in high heat, safety is both a priority and a growing challenge. Farmers are known for working in all types of weather conditions. But as temperatures continue to heat up, this can quickly become dangerous - even deadly. Between 2011 and 2021 the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that each year saw an average of 43 farmworkers lose their lives due to environmental heat. In 2023, that number was 55.
In the Hot Potato video and Resource Libary, farmers and ag service providers from across the country share their tips, policies, and practices (including SOPs and work schedules) related to extreme heat.
This project was a joint undertaking between Not Our Farm, UW Extension, and FairShare.