Ames, Iowa – An Extension expert says the late-spring heat wave that blanketed Iowa and much of the Midwest is a reminder for farm employers and employees to focus on human resources.
Melissa O’ Rourke, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, says people are the most valuable asset in a farm or rural business.
She says farm operators need to do whatever they can to preserve and protect their people.
In the June edition of Ag Decision Maker, O’Rourke outlines some basic ways that farm employers can protect workers from heat stress and illness. She also provides an updated checklist that covers all the major aspects of farmworker hiring and employment.
O’Rourke said it’s common for a farm business to begin within a family – and human resources may not be the first thought that comes to mind. But as the business grows, so does the need for labor and employee engagement and creating job descriptions.
Although a farm may not have a full human resources department – O’Rourke says it really only takes a few minutes to address most of the concerns employers and employees may have.
She also advises employers to take advantage of safety talks with their employees and to include heat stress prevention as one of the topics. It takes as little as five minutes to remind employees what to do, and what resources are available.
The talk may be as simple as reminding everyone where water is located, when breaks can be taken, and any changes to the day’s schedule to work around the heat. Keeping everyone informed can also help boost worker morale and enthusiasm, in addition to protecting their physical health.
For more information, visit the Ag Decision Maker online.
