Page 11 - Farm Safely Handbook 2018

MANUAL HANDLING
MANUAL HANDLING Safe Lifting
Farming as an occupation is quite physically demanding. A farmer is required to partake in manual handling tasks on the farm on a regular basis. Manual handling includes lifting heavy loads such as pigs, calves, sheep, chemical containers, hay bales and equipment.
It’s not just the sheer weight that can cause injury. The size, shape, how you carry the load, the duration you have to carry it for and how often you have to do the task are significant factors in managing physical activity.
Manual handling accidents and injuries are often a result of poor manual handling techniques. Using excessive force, unusual postures or badly organised working practises is a sure way of injuring yourself. A common occurrence among Irish farmers are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Safe Lifting Techniques:
• Assess the load you are about to carry.
• Always keep the load close to your body whilst bending your knees rather than your back to pick
up a load and lift with your
thigh muscles.
• Reduce the amount of bending,
twisting and stretching required by organising your work area in advance.
• Plan ahead. Consider the safest possible ways of lifting, carrying, holding, lowering, pushing, pulling.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc).
Harbour Road, Foynes, Co. Limerick Deepwater Berth, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork T: 069-65311 E: info@premiermolasses.ie W:www.premiermolasses.ie
MOLASSES: MORE THAN JUST A LIQUID FEED
- Unique ability to carry minerals and vitamins in the TMR - Enhances rumen activity
- Increases animal’s dry matter intake
- Helps negate energy deficits in freshly calved cows
- Complements all grass and forage based diets
FARM SAFELY HANDBOOK 11