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 yourself
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 your
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.
This way, 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 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.
Locate a Nationwide Agribusiness farm
certified agent at http://farmagentfinder.com/
or call 1-800-255-9913.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News
West Virginia Farm Bureau News
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