Grupo Pantaleon drives international research to prevent occupational diseases
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In Achievements, People and Culture, Responsible Development
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At Grupo Pantaleon, we reaffirm our commitment to the health and well-being of our people. We are proud to have served as an active collaborator in an international study recently published in Annals of Global Health, titled “A Systems-Based Approach for the Prevention of Heat-Associated Kidney Disease in Latin American Workers.” (annalsofglobalhealth.org)

This study was carried out in partnership with the Center for Health, Work & Environment (CHWE) at the Colorado School of Public Health over an eight-year period. It proposes a systemic methodology to reduce the risk of kidney damage among individuals working in high-heat environments.

Our active contribution to the study

Throughout the research process, Grupo Pantaleon collaborated closely in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the interventions. Some of the most significant contributions included:

  • Facilitating access to work centers — fields, monitoring stations, and logistics — for implementation of experiments and measurements.
  • Providing institutional support to drive organizational change and integrate well-being practices into daily operations.
  • Engaging leaders and employees in training programs, pilot initiatives, and health monitoring strategies.
  • Promoting a culture of continuous improvement to refine interventions based on field results.

Thanks to this collaboration, between 2015 and 2023 the incidence of reduced kidney function among heat-exposed workers decreased from approximately 10% to 7%. (news.cuanschutz.edu)

Scientific approach of the study

The study adopted the Total Worker Health® (TWH) framework, which integrates workplace protection with the promotion of healthy habits to ensure comprehensive well-being.

To guarantee that interventions are effective, scalable, and sustainable, researchers used implementation science methodologies such as the RE-AIM and CFIR frameworks. These tools allow for measuring not only the impact of the interventions but also their adoption, fidelity, and long-term maintenance.

Ongoing commitment to worker health

This study validates the strength of Grupo Pantaleon’s comprehensive approach to employee protection and reinforces our leadership in the agroindustry across regions with warm climates. Our robust Total Worker Health® system permanently integrates well-being, prevention, and a people-centered organizational culture throughout our operations.

  • We continuously evaluate and adjust our policies to respond to evolving climate conditions.
  • Our internal processes consistently integrate health, safety, and well-being into everyday operations.
  • We ensure the sustainability of our actions, so that their benefits endure for our employees and neighboring communities.
  • We share our learnings to promote better labor conditions across the agricultural sector in Guatemala and the region.

Above all, we remain committed to continuously implementing the best science-based practices to protect the health and well-being of our people.

Scientific reference links