Applying The Science of Ergonomics to Farm Work
Learn how to avoid musculoskeletal injuries
Anyone who’s worked in agriculture can testify to the hard, often backbreaking work required to do the job. Lugging buckets of grain and water to feed the livestock, hoisting bales of straw, and lifting heavy equipment are just a few of the tasks performed by American farmers everyday. Strains, sprains and back pain are so common among farmers that these injuries are some times considered just another part of the job.
Yet farmers and farm workers report some of the highest risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the nation. “Only recently has the science of ergonomics been applied to farm work to help reduce the number of injuries that cost commercial agriculture millions of dollars every year in health care expenses, lost wages and lowered productivity,” says Industrial Hygienist Glenn Soyer, manager, Risk Management Services with Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company, Des Moines, IA.
Ergonomics is the study of the physical capabilities and limitations of a worker in relation to that person’s work tasks, tools and environment. Ergonomics seeks to reduce stress on the body, and increase safety, comfort and productivity. It may sound complicated, but most ergonomic recommendations are fairly easy to integrate into many farming routines. They key is awareness and practice.
Simple changes that make work safer
Consider incorporating these ergonomic modifications into your everyday work activities to reduce potential injuries to you and your workers.
Lifting
Lift only the loads you know you can handle. Get help or use a
mechanical lift for larger loads. Keep the load close to your body,
lifting with your legs. Be careful when reaching for items, and move them
closer to you before lifting. Avoid twisting or bending at the waist
while lifting.
Carrying
If you carry an item with one arm, such as a bucket, keep your knees
soft to reduce the strain on your lower back and counterbalance by
raising your other arm away from your body. Be sure to switch sides
frequently. Carrying with both arms is safer for your back and prevents
overuse of the favored arm. Make sure the weight is balanced. For
example, carry two buckets half full rather than one heavy bucket to
minimize strain.
Shoveling
Be sure that your shovel is the right size for the job. If you’re
shoveling snow, grain or manure, use a smaller shovel or take smaller
scoops. Keep your feet at shoulder width with your knees slightly bent to
give you good support. Lift with your legs, not with your back. Avoid
twisting while shoveling, and keep the load close to your body.
Stooping
Awkward positions such as stooping, bending from the waist or crouching
can take a toll on your back. Use a half-kneeling position for better
balance and posture instead of a full squat if you need to change a tire
or do other work near the floor. If you need to bend from the waist, make
sure you don’t reach out too far and wrench the back. Always take
frequent breaks from awkward positions to release the tension in your
muscles.
Mounting
Always maintain three points of contact with the handrails and steps for
stability and balance when climbing on a tractor or other large farm
implement. Pull with your hands and step with your feet at the same time
while keeping your weight over your feet so that each step elevates you
straight upward or lowers you straight downward.
Driving
Sit with your back against the seat so that it’s supported. Sit close
enough to the steering wheel so that your knees are comfortably bent.
Shift your position frequently to prevent the muscles from tightening.
Consider adding suspension seats to your tractor to decrease whole body
vibration.
Using tools
Ergonomically designed farm implements – like clippers, shovels, rakes,
wheelbarrows, and posthole diggers – help lessen the stress on your back
and are readily available at local farm supply stores. Additionally, many
power tools have been redesigned to be more body-friendly.
