CLEARWATER, Fla. — The summer heat can feel relentless and can be dangerous for those who work outside. There are now renewed calls to protect farmers and other workers from heat-related illness while on the job.

What You Need To Know

  • Working outside in hot weather can be dangerous and potentially lead to heat-related illness, if proper precautions are not taken

  • The Farmworker Association of Florida is advocating for legislation that would require employers to enact certain safety measures to protect workers outside. 

  • At Life Farms in Clearwater, owner Rowland Milam says keeping his staff safe and cool is his top priority

The Farmworker Association of Florida is pushing for legislation that would require employers to have certain safety measures in place, such as adequate breaks and working in pairs. 

“If we don’t take care of our most needy, then who will," said Yvette Cruz, with the Farmworker Association. "If we don’t step up and they keep stepping all over them, who’s going to look out for them?”

Rowland Milam grew up on a farm in South Carolina. After spending some time away from crops working a corporate job, Milam decided to open up his own farm in Clearwater 10 years ago. 

“It was totally overgrown," said Milam. "We cleared it and thought we’d have a teeny-weeny, small little CSA and we’ve never stopped growing.”

Milam and his staff of up to 14 workers produce organically-grown veggies, herbs, flowers and microgreens on six acres of land at Life Farms in Clearwater. That work becomes more difficult though in the sweltering summer heat. 

“The continuation of high nineties is not helping anything," Milam said. "But we’re not cultivating any crops right now that the heat would bother. Our biggest concern is our workers and we’re making sure they’re hydrated, they come in there’s any breaks that they want whenever they want it because they’re the most important.”

Milam said everyone on the farm watches out for one another. They work in pairs, wear long sleeves and hats to protect themselves from the sun, and take frequent water breaks throughout the day. 

“They’re used to working outside," Milam said. "It’s not like they came out for one day. So they are aware what their bodies can do, they’re aware how much they can push their bodies and that’s just what makes it good to be a farmer because you understand what you’re doing.”

For Milam, keeping his staff safe is his number-one priority, so they can keep fulfilling their mission of feeding the community fresh and nutritious produce.

The Farmworkers Association of Florida recommends anyone who works outside to learn and know the signs of heat exhaustion – which can include excessive sweating, a fast pulse and nausea or vomitting.