Staying away from farm-related sprains and strains
FARM SAFETY

The following article was provided by the Canadian Community Newspapers Association.

Sprains and strains are Canada's leading type of farm-related injuries. Overexertion was the leading cause of injury, followed by livestock handling, particularly beef, then machine-related overexertion common to field crop farms and market gardens, and falls.

These four causes account for 84 per cent of all strains and sprains injuries sustained in agricultural work, according to a study by the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program.

"Manage more than just your back!" is the theme of this year's Canadian Agricultural Safety campaign, with a focus on sprains, strains and falls.

The year-long campaign will be launched with Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), March 12 to 18. The campaign's goal is to encourage farmers to think through their work and find ways to reduce the risk of sprains, strains and falls. The CASW campaign is delivered by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) in partnership with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

"In agriculture, there are countless activities that producers do every day that put them at risk of back injuries," said Marcel Hacault, executive director of CASA.

"Our message is not about what you do, but rather how you do it. When a hazard is predictable, then it is also preventable; and the key points of prevention are to use proper lifting techniques, ensure you have a clutter free work area, and take the time and effort to work safely."

Statistics Canada reports that approximately 15 per cent of agricultural-related injuries are back injuries. Health Canada estimates that musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, cost society a total of $16.4 billion in direct (treatment and rehabilitation) costs and lost productivity. Back pain also hits Canadians' wallets. Consumers spent $21.5 million on back pain products in Canada in 1999.

Many of these disorders can be prevented through proper design of the work environment, redesign of tools, and appropriate worker training. Once highrisk activities are recognized, then steps can be taken to prevent or control the occurrence and severity of back disorders in agriculture.

"Teaching by example is one of the strongest ways of communicating safety in the workplace," said Bob Friesen, president of the CFA.

"Whether it is your children or employees, workers will learn how to do things by the way the farmer does it. That's why it is imperative for farmers and farm managers to set a good example and work safely."

The CASW campaign message "Manage more than just your back!" is twofold. The first part is to encourage farmers to protect their physical well-being by using correct lifting techniques, good posture and other body mechanics that will preserve good health.

The second part of the theme encourages farmers and ranchers to take a careful look for hazards in their workplace. This may mean clearing alleyways, setting up a workbench, or any other changes that can be made to make a work area more comfortable to work in.

"Farming and ranching are physically demanding, however, they don't have to be physically damaging," remarked Greg Stewart, FCC president and CEO. "Most farmers are selfemployed, so a debilitating back injury can have serious consequences to personal health and the health of the business."

More information on Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is available at www.cfa-fca.ca or www.casa-acsa.ca