Sugar workers are often at risk of work-related injuries and diseases. These may be brought about by chemical use, prolonged sun exposure, use of agricultural machinery, equipment and tools. Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment or PPE can provide adequate protection to workers, thus reduce health hazards and risks.
SIFI, together with the three mills – Hawaiian-Philippine Company, Victorias Milling Company and Lopez Sugar Corporation are pioneering initiatives towards supporting sugar farmers’ safety and protection. Now on its third year, the Responsible Sourcing from Smallholders in the Sugar Cane Sector or RSS Program led by SIFI and the 3 mills utilized a PPE strategy of capacity building, information dissemination, procurement and distribution. To date, significant milestones have been reached:
- More than 30 ARB groups, with members ranging from 20-50 farmers, have adopted policies promoting PPE use;
- 3,500+ Farmers heard messages;
- 5,100 flyers, tarps were distributed;
- 1,480 Farmers received PPE sets for any of the three work types: chemical spraying, fertilizer application and manual harvest; and,
- The collaboration with SRA Block Farm – Visayas resulted in the training of (additional) 300 farmers and PPE sets distributed to 600 farmers
This year, SIFI and the 3 mills will continue to reach out to new areas/ARB groups, spread the benefits of using appropriate PPE, and contribute towards ensuring a healthy and safe workplace for sugar farmers.
