... on the farm, at the office or in the factory

ERGONOMICS is the relation- ship between the worker and the job, and focuses on the design of work areas or work tasks to improve job performance.

In essence, the effective management of ergonomics at workplace level depends on a number of key factors, including:

÷ Knowledge of the nature of the work carried out in the workplace.

÷ Knowledge of the potential ergonomic risks in the workplace. Case studies demonstrate that there are a number of tangible benefits which will result in the implementation of a policy that addresses ergonomic risk factors in the workplace. These are:

÷ Reduced risk of occupational injury or illness.

÷ Innovation and creative thinking.

÷ Effective teamwork and consultation.

÷ More effective communications. ÷ Evidence of productivity and efficiency improvements. ÷ Reduced lost days due to occupational injury or ill health. ÷ Evidence of management commitment and investment. ÷ Evidence of a return on investment.

The approach to ergonomics and protecting your back does, however, often differ from category to category.

OUTDOORS

WHETHER it’s on the farm on in the garden, recent evidencebased research identified a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injury happening outdoors.

Risk factors include heavy loads, awkward postures, repetitive tasks and poor access to the area in which the work is being carried out.

Farmers should identify these risks on their farms and explore their options for reducing the risk of injury before they tackle a manual handling activity.

Recognition that all manual handling activities are potential workplace hazards in the garden or on the farm is therefore the first step in managing the risk of back injury there.

Risk-reducing measures to consider before carrying out a manual handling activity include: ÷ Reducing load size. ÷ Using attachments on tractors and other handling aids.

÷ Improving seating in tractors. ÷ Improving storage facilities, ÷ Raising work platforms or benches.

÷ Using wheels for heavy loads.

÷ Using three-point hitch linkage systems.

÷ Taking the time to plan each activity. Planning ahead and taking steps to reduce the risk of injury should make the job easier and less strenuous, as well as safer.

Your back needs to be looked after, so take the time to plan ahead. Find a way to work that reduces strain on the back and still gets the job done.